‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’ star Rory Cowan has quit, after 26 years of working with the production both on stage and screen.
The actor, who played Mrs Brown’s son Rory in the sitcom, claimed he had been “unhappy” for some time before his departure.
Open Image Modal
Rory Cowan has quit 'Mrs Brown's Boys'
PA Archive/PA Images
He has now made his last appearance as the character, after completing a recent stage production with the rest of the cast.
Speaking to the Irish Daily Mail, Rory said: “I hadn’t been happy working for the ‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’ company for the last 18 months to two years.
“I feel that 26 years is enough so I decided it was time to go.”
He informed lead creator and lead cast member Brendan O’Carroll last month, but was persuaded to stay on until the end of the London O2 shows - the last of which took place on Sunday.
Open Image Modal
Rory with the cast of 'Mrs Brown's Boys'
BBC
Refusing to be drawn on his reason to quit, Rory continued: “I’m not going into details about why I was unhappy,
“I did the final show [in London], packed my stuff into a small Waitrose plastic bag and just left the venue.”
‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’ started life as a stage show, before being picked up by the BBC in 2011.
Despite drawing critical reviews, it has gone on to become a ratings smash, regularly topping the most watched show on Christmas Day for its festive specials.
Before They Were Famous: The Sitcom Appearances You Didn't Spot
Idris Elba in 'Ab Fab' (1995)(01 of08)
Open Image Modal
Playing male escort Hilton in one episode of 'Ab Fab' was one of Idris's first ever roles. (credit:BBC)
Tom Hollander in 'Absolutely Fabulous' (1996)(02 of08)
Open Image Modal
Tom's character nearly became a member of the Monsoon family, but sadly, ditched Saffy to run off with one of her bridesmaids just before their wedding was due to take place. (credit:BBC)
Peter Capaldi in 'The Vicar Of Dibley' (1994)(03 of08)
Open Image Modal
Long before calling the Tardis home, Peter made a brief stop-off in Dibley, where vicar Geraldine soon fell in love with him. (credit:BBC)
Jonny Lee Miller in 'Keeping Up Appearances' (1990)(04 of08)
Open Image Modal
Now, we know we shouldn't be biased, but this is definitely one of our favourite spots.
Long before taking on the role of Sickboy in 'Trainspotting', the actor made an appearance in the now iconic sitcom. (credit:BBC)
Jake Wood in 'Only Fools And Horses' (1989)(05 of08)
Open Image Modal
The 'Jolly Boys' Outing' episode of 'Only Fools...' is an absolute classic, but did you spot Jake Wood (aka EastEnders' Max Branning) starring as Rodney's office trainee? (credit:BBC)
Ashley Jensen in 'The Office' (2003)(06 of08)
Open Image Modal
After appearing in 'Extras' alongside Ricky Gervais, Ashley's career took her Stateside for 'Ugly Betty'.
Before that though, she popped up and made an uncredited(!) appearance in The Office's 2003 Christmas special. (credit:BBC/HBO)
Joanna Lumley in 'Are You Being Served?' (1973)(07 of08)
Open Image Modal
The 'Ab Fab' star played two different characters, in two separate episodes of the show, which was written by her then husband Jeremy Lloyd. (credit:BBC)
Dominic Brunt in '2point4 Children' (1995)(08 of08)
Open Image Modal
Dominic's instantly recognisable to many TV fans nowadays, thanks to the fact he plays Emmerdale's Paddy Kirk.
However, before soapland came knocking, he popped up in one episode of this show, playing an unnamed petrol station assistant. (credit:ITV/REX/Shutterstock)