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Mrs Brown's Boys star opens up about fallout with creator Brendan O'Carroll

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

Former Mrs Brown's Boys star Gary Hollywood has opened up about his "unfortunate" disagreement with creator Brendan O'Carroll, and the effect it had on him during "the worst year of his life".

The Scottish actor, who played hairdresser Dino Doyle in the popular comedy series since its premiere in 2011, announced that he and co-star Damien McKiernan were leaving the show in October 2020.

At the time, the duo explained that their decision to quit was prompted by the discovery that they were earning significantly less than other cast members – something that Hollywood reiterated in a new interview with OK! on Tuesday (August 10).

Photo credit: Artur Widak/PA Archive
Photo credit: Artur Widak/PA Archive

Related: Mrs Brown's Boys star Brendan O'Carroll opens up about beloved character's exit

"There was a problem with pay and things came to a head," he said coyly. "Dealing with the fallout has been extremely exhausting and has really taken its toll on me emotionally."

"It's unfortunate the way things unfolded," Hollywood added, noting that he hasn't been able to get in touch with O'Carroll, who plays the show's title character, since the bust-up.

"I did hope we'd be able to reconcile or communicate respectfully, but it is what it is."

Digital Spy has reached out to a representative for Brendan O'Carroll seeking comment.

Photo credit: BBC
Photo credit: BBC

Related: BBC addresses complaints after Mrs Brown's Boys was dropped from schedule

The 41-year-old also spoke about the "traumatic" birth of his son Ollie, who arrived one month premature, and went on to develop jaundice, as well as the death of his brother Gerard in 2020.

"I've felt depressed – it was one thing after another," he said. "As a man, you're told to 'man up', which makes things worse. Things are changing though. It's very heartening to see Martin and Roman Kemp talking about their struggles."

One good thing that has come out of exiting Mrs Brown's Boys, however, is having the newfound freedom to pick all different kinds of projects to get involved in, Hollywood continued.

"Over the years I've been offered some incredible [things] which I would've loved to have done, but was made to turn down. Luckily, many have returned to the table, so I'm looking to try new experiences and make new adventures for myself.

"Acting has always been my first love and a few great roles have come my way, so hopefully we can make those work."


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