Comedy legend defends Mrs Brown’s Boys and says it’s ‘insane’ show gets such a grilling

COMEDIAN Ben Elton has defended divisive BBC sitcom Mrs Brown’s Boys.

He insisted harsh reviews from critics were hugely unfair.

Ben’s backing comes as show creator Brendan O’Carroll recovers from a racism row over the show, which is one of the Beeb’s most popular programmes.

The star, 69, was forced to apologise for a racist joke on the sitcom’s set.

Production of the Christmas special was suspended while bosses investigated the rehearsal slur.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, The Young Ones and Blackadder writer Ben, 65, said: “It’s insane this show is so abused. It’s so inoffensive.

“You can say it’s unfunny or old-fashioned but you cannot say it’s stupid and lacks skill. These are brilliant comedians with perfect timing.

“They’re doing a type of comedy you may not find appealing because maybe you’re embarrassed about the fact you have no understanding of why it’s funny, so you can’t give yourself over to it.”

Ben believes the comedy, about Irish matriarch Mrs Brown — played by Brendan — and her dysfunctional family should be celebrated, not derided.

The comic, whose Authentic Stupidity show runs at London’s Duke of York’s Theatre from January 13 to 18 before a UK tour until February 27, explained: “I’ve watched a few episodes, sometimes I think it’s hilarious, sometimes I think it’s treading water but you can’t dismiss comedy that you don’t like by saying it’s stupid.

“A good silly joke is actually a difficult thing to write.

“A bad one isn’t but that’s not what they do. It’s not my favourite show but I enjoy it and I see the incredible skill and also it’s all about goodwill.”