Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Brendan O'Carroll will not dance as Mrs Brown in Christmas special

Mrs Brown's Boy star said the show did not need him 'or Mrs Brown'

Brendan O'Carroll pictured in January, 2014 (Getty)

Brendan O’Carroll has turned down the chance to dance as Mrs Brown on Strictly Come Dancing, he has revealed.

The actor said the BBC was keen for him to dance with judge Len Goodman in the Christmas special, but decided to turn the offer down.

He told BBC’s Sunday Morning Live: “Who would be lead? It’s nice to have a hybrid and a crossover between Mrs Brown and something else but the truth of it is Strictly Come Dancing doesn’t need me or Mrs Brown.”

He added: “It’s a great entity in its own right. I have to protect Mrs Brown from Len.”

The 58-year-old said he was proud of his actress wife and Mrs Brown’s Boys co-star Jennifer Gibney for taking part in the dancing series this year.

He said: “I am so, so proud. Pride in your family or pride in your partner or someone else gives you more confidence.”

Gibney has been partnered with Tristan McManus on the dancing show, which starts on Friday.

She will take to the dance floor alongside Pixie Lott, Judy Murray, Mark Wright, Tom Evans, Gregg Wallace and Frankie Bridges.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One on Friday 26 September at 9pm.

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