TV star Brendan O’Carroll turned down the chance for Mrs Brown to rumba on Strictly Come Dancing.
The Dublin comedian – whose wife Jenny Gibney is competing in the BBC show – said bosses wanted his female alter-ego to dance with judge Len Goodman in the Christmas special.
But the 58-year-old said: “Who would be lead? It’s nice to have a hybrid and a crossover between Mrs Brown and something else.
Love: Brendan with wife Jenny | BRIAN MCEVOY
“But the truth of it is Strictly Come Dancing doesn’t need me or Mrs Brown. It’s a great entity in its own right. I have to protect her from Len.”
Meanwhile Brendan said he is so proud of Jenny competing in Strictly – even if he won’t be – with Tristan MacManus as her professional partner.
He added: “I am so, so proud. Pride in your family or pride in your partner or someone else gives you more confidence.
Team: Jenny with professional partner Tristan | BBC
“Every morning when I get up I want to woo Jenny. I just want to prove myself. What is the point otherwise? You can’t take anything for granted especially other people.”
And Brendan said he was glad he turned down the BBC’s offer to dance as Mrs Brown – because he’s awful when trying to tango.
He said: “I am not a great dancer and not an enthusiast of dancing. I would help in any way I can.
“And the only way I can really help is to let her know that she has all the talent and all the ability necessary to do this and all she had to is put her arms out and fly.”
