For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails
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.”
Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who?Show all 15 1 /15Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Gregg Wallace and Aliona Vilani MasterChef's Gregg Wallace has teamed up with Aliona Vilani for the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. 'I am very happy because I know what an amazing dancer she is!' he said. 'I am really chuffed.'
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Pixie Lott and Trent Whiddon Pop star Pixie Lott will dance with Trent Whiddon on the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. 'I'm excited, I can't wait!' she said. 'We are going to have fun.'
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Judy Murray and Anton du Beke Tennis player Andy Murray's mum Judy has been paired with Anton du Beke for Strictly Come Dancing. 'I'm absolutely delighted,' she said.
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Mark Wright and Karen Hauer The Only Way is Essex star Mark Wright will dance with Karen Hauer on Strictly Come Dancing. 'I am absolutely buzzing!' he said. 'Every single morning we go in, Karen is always smiling.'
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Scott Mills and Joanne Clifton Scott Mills will dance with Joanne Clifton on Strictly Come Dancing. 'I secretly always wanted Joanne!' he said. 'We are very happy. We genuinely get on - I'm really looking forward to it!'
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Frankie Bridge and Kevin Clifton Frankie Bridge from girl group The Saturdays will be dancing with Kevin Clifton in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Simon Webbe and Kristina Rihanoff Blue's Simon Webbe has been paired with Kristina Rihanoff for the ballroom competition. 'Come here babe!' he said. 'We're the happy couple.'
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Caroline Flack and Pasha Kovalev Caroline Flack will be dancing with Pasha Kovalev in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Thom Evans and Iveta Lukosiute Former rugby international Thom Evans will dance with Iveta Lukosiute on Strictly Come Dancing.
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Alison Hammond and Aljaz Skorjanec Reality TV star turned presenter Alison Hammond will dance with last year's victor Aljaz Skorjanec. 'I'm so excited!' she said.
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Steve Backshall and Ola Jordan Steve Backshall is set to dance with Ola Jordan on Strictly Come Dancing. 'I have a friend who's a dancer and she said to me 'You want Ola because she's a fantastic dancer and she can make anyone look good' meaning 'even you'!' he said.
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Jennifer Gibney and Tristan McManus Mrs Brown's Boys' Jennifer Gibney will be mentored by Tristan McManus on Strictly Come Dancing 2014
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Sunetra Sarker and Brendan Cole Casualty actress Sunetra Sarker will be tutored by Brendan Cole during Strictly Come Dancing 2014. 'We are both delighted - he's been a great teacher already!' she said.
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Jake Wood and Janette Manrara EastEnders' Jake Wood will be dancing with Janette Manrara during the twelfth run of Strictly Come Dancing. 'She's a fantastic dancer and a no-nonsense American, which is what I was hoping for,' he said.
BBC
Strictly Come Dancing 2014: Who's dancing with who? Tim Wonncott and Natalie Lowe The Bargain Hunt presenter will dance with Natalie during the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. 'Very very very happy. Thrilled. Who wouldn't be?' he said.
BBC
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 .
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies