On Christmas Day fans of Mrs Brown's Boys finally got to see the new Rory in the show.

Actor Damien McKiernan took over the role from Rory Cowan after his shock departure earlier this year. Back when he announced that he was leaving the show, he simply said that after 26 years in the role it was time to go. For the Christmas episode, the character Rory in the show spent the majority of the seasonal special wrapped up in bandages, but was gradually unveiled - introducing fans to the actor who would be taking over the role. When it aired, it got mixed reviews from fans. Some were loving the introduction, whereas others were left pining after Rory Cowan.

Extremely disappointed with the Christmas episode, and as far as the new rory?? #MrsBrownsBoys

— Liz Murphy (@LizMurp07085804) December 26, 2017

Really don’t like the new Rory in #MrsBrownsBoys ? Bring back the old Rory please!! Mrs Browns Boys ain’t the same without the real one☹️ Why did he even have to leave?@brendanMrsBrown @1rorycowan ?

— Karla McPhee (@Karla_McPhee) December 25, 2017

Other's stuck up for the decision to replace the actor after his decision to leave:

Shame on the people slamming last nights Mrs Brown Christmas episode!! Rory Cowan had to leave for personal reasons and a replacement actor was needed! If Rory was written out people would be slamming the show about that too ? give the new actor a chance for goodness sake!!!

— Kayley ? (@KayleyJones81) December 26, 2017

And now, the main man from the show, Brendan O'Carroll has had his say on the reaction to the new Rory. Choosing to reference the positive feedback only, he said to The Sun, “I’m more pleased that it didn’t matter. I’m really delighted for Damien — those are big shoes to fill.” Speaking about the success of the show, he said:

"These ratings are pure joy for us. A 32.4 per cent share means that one third of everyone watching TV last night in the UK were watching Mrs Brown’s Boys. Wow! We’re Fingal’s number one export this Christmas."