The BBC paused the rehearsal of a popular sitcom at its Glasgow studio after a 'clumsy' racial joke was uttered. 

Cast read-throughs for the upcoming Christmas special of Mrs Brown's Boys were halted due to the joke where 'a racial term was implied'.

The incident was then investigated by the BBC and Irish actor Brendan O'Carroll, who plays the titular character, has since apologised over the issue. 

Brendan O'Carroll as Agnes BrownBrendan O'Carroll as Agnes Brown (Image: PA) He said: "At a read-through of the Mrs Brown’s Boys Christmas specials, there was a clumsy attempt at a joke, in the character of Agnes, where a racial term was implied.

“It backfired and caused offence which I deeply regret and for which I have apologised.”

Rehearsals have since resumed at the broadcaster’s Pacific Quay studios, with shows expected to go ahead as planned. 

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Mrs Brown’s Boys creator and star O’Carroll will return to his role as mischievous matriarch Agnes Brown in the Christmas Day and New Year’s Day specials.

A BBC spokesperson said: “Whilst we don’t comment on individuals, the BBC is against all forms of racism, and we have robust processes in place should issues ever arise.”

Last year, Mrs Brown’s Boys returned for a four-part series.

Despite being a regular feature on Christmas schedules for over a decade, the episodes marked the first mini-series run since 2013.