Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
We are all replaceable.. the only one not is Mrs Brown
Characters come and go says Cowan after new Rory named
RORY Cowan has told how the cast of Mrs Brown’s Boys’ are all “replaceable” except for its main star.
After sensationally quitting the show at London’s O2 on Sunday night, the Dubliner was left in the dark and admitted he was not informed who would replace him.
Reacting to the news Pat “Pepsi” Shields – who currently plays his brother Mark Brown – will be taking over the role, he was ambivalent saying characters come and go.
He exclusively told the Daily Mirror: “I’m sure the fans will be happy with the decision, I don’t see why they wouldn’t be.
“We can all be replaced, the only one who is irreplaceable is Mrs Brown.
“I mean Paddy who plays Dermot was on paternity leave a couple of years ago when his wife had identical twin girls.
“Simon Delaney took over for a few months before and the fans just accept it, they’re fine as they’re just characters.”
Rory, 57, who played the role of Agnes’ son for the past 26 years, has given his blessing to his good friend Pat.
But when the Mirror contacted him it was the first he had heard about his replacement.
He added: “If he’s doing it good luck to him, fair play to him. I’m gone now so whoever they get or whatever storylines they have in the future that’s not my business.
“I know Pepsi, he’s a great friend of mine, he’s lovely, he’s adorable.
“I’ve been working with Pat for 26 years and he’s actually been there longer than me, he was the sound man when I joined Brendan’s group.”
Brendan O’carroll issued an official statement on Thursday revealing Rory’s much anticipated replacement. He quipped: “Following plastic surgery the new Rory will be unveiled on Christmas Day in the special.”
Rory insisted he now wants to draw a line under Mrs Brown’s Boys’. He added: “When I finished in London in the O2, as far as I’m concerned that’s it, I’ve no opinion one way or another what happens to Mrs Brown’s Boys in the future now, none of it concerns me.”
Rory’s replacement Pepsi first joined Mrs Brown’s Boy’s for a radio drama 26 years ago and rejoined Brendan on the stage in The Course.
He then starred in Mrs Brown’s Boys series for plays and most recently as Mark – the good son in the Brown family.