Brendan O'Carroll, who is to retrace his family's footsteps

COMEDIAN Brendan O'Carroll is to retrace his family history in BBC's 'Who Do You Think You Are'.

The 'Mrs Brown's Boys' star will return to Irish shores with a camera crew in December to look back at the lives of his ancestors in Dublin.

O'Carroll, who was born in Finglas and is now based in the US, will shoot his episode of the popular series next month, but it will not air until mid 2014.

"They spent three months research the family history to see if there are any interesting stories, so there must be a few in mine," O'Carroll told the Irish Independent.

"Obviously it's all kept a surprise so I don't know what's going to unfold, but I'm looking forward to it, it'll be an interesting experience," he said.

O’Carroll will join the likes of singer Marianne Faithfull, reporter John Simpson, comedienne Sarah Millican, sports presenter Gary Lineker and Hollywood actress Minnie Driver, who have also taken part in the UK programme.

It has been an extremely busy year for the 58-year-old BAFTA winner, who has seen his character matriarch Agnes Brown become a household name with his hit TV series ‘Mrs Brown’s Boys’.

O'Carroll is currently in the middle of his 33-date 'For The Love of Mrs Brown' tour of the UK and Ireland.

He his co-stars, including wife Jenny Gibney and son Danny O'Carroll, will perform over six nights at the O2 Dublin in December, with one being a charity event.

And while filming on 'Mrs Brown D'Movie' is complete, a game show and an animated series are currently in development.

The comedian will take time out of his hectic schedule on December 16 however, to participate in the annual Our Lady's Children's Hospital in Crumlin 'Ward Walk'.

The event is staged to help raise funds for patient services and joining O'Carroll this year are model Rosanna Davison, stylist Lisa Fitzpatrick, 'Love/Hate' actor Laurence Kinlan and retired rugby player Shane Byrne.

O'Carroll's generosity has become as famous as his on-screen character over recent years.

In 2012 his company Mrs Brown's Boys Ltd contributed €49,875 to charities.

This followed charitable contributions of €41,806 in 2011.

Online Editors