Sir Trevor McDonald said the BBC should 'have very harsh words' with the person who made the 'crude, offensive and insulting' remark - but did not call for the show to be cancelled

The BBC1 comedy show has become embroiled in a racism row over the attempted gag, with O'Carroll given a final warning by the corporation, but allowed to remain in the role.

Sir Trevor McDonald has hit out at the star of Mrs Brown's Boys after production was suspended because of a racist joke.

The junior staffer was left horrified by the disgusting slur being “implied” during a cast read-through of the Christmas special at the BBC Scotland studios in Glasgow last Wednesday.

During a reading of the script while in character as Agnes Brown, O'Carroll is said to have said: 'I don't call a spade a spade, I call a spade a…' He then started to utter the N-word before he was interrupted.

The BBC refuses to sack Brendan O’Carroll over his N-word 'joke' sparks fury - instead issuing him with a final warning