It might not always be the show that wins over critics, but you can’t argue with box office. Mrs Brown’s Boys, that started as a stage version, become a huge TV hit, became a hit movie, and has recently been a sell-out arena tour, is about the most popular comedy in the UK right now. Furthermore, it’s a family affair, with the core cast all relatives of star and writer Brendan O’Carroll.

But changes are afoot in Mrs Brown’s world, with the news that Rory Cowan has quit the show, after playing, er, Rory, for the past 26 years.

He didn’t go into great detail on his reasons for quitting, save as to say that told the Irish Daily Mail (via the Radio Times) that “I hadn’t been happy working for the Mrs Brown’s Boys company for the last 18 months to two years”.

He thus handed in his notice on June 16th, but was persuaded to complete the commitment to gigs at London’s O2 arena by Brendan O’Carroll.

It’s surprising news, given how tight-knit the Mrs Brown’s Boys family has always appeared. But as Cowan said, “I did the final show, packing my stuff into a small Waitrose plastic bag, and left the venue”.

That’s the different with having a hit, folks. If the show had failed, he’d be at Aldi with the rest of us.

Mrs Brown’s Boys will be back on BBC One in December for its annual Christmas special.