Mrs Brown’s Boys star Brendan O’Carroll has said he “almost killed Margaret Thatcher” when he mixed up salt and sugar while working as a waiter.

The comedian, who is best-known for his alter-ego as a Dublin matriarch, waited on tables before he found fame and had an unfortunate run-in with the then-Prime Minister.

He told The Graham Norton Show: “I once almost killed Margaret Thatcher. It was a big lunch at Dublin Castle and I was working the top table.

Mrs Brown's Boys
Brendan as Mrs Brown (BBC)

“We were rushing to serve everyone before the event was on the 1pm news and, with just a few minutes to go, Mrs Thatcher asked for some fresh strawberries.

“I served her and she then asked for some caster sugar. I rushed to get it and with only seconds to spare, I poured some on the fruit.

Margaret Thatcher
Margaret Thatcher (PA)

“While the news was going out, I watched as she put a spoonful in her mouth and at that moment realised the bag I was holding was a bag of salt. Her face said it all! Only she and I knew about it and it was never mentioned.”

Brendan, whose comedy creation now has her own chat show called All Round To Mrs Brown’s, also offered up details of a close encounter with singer James Blunt.

All Round To Mrs Brown's (BBC/Hungry Bear/Brendan O'Carroll)
All Round To Mrs Brown’s (BBC/Hungry Bear/Brendan O’Carroll)

The You’re Beautiful singer was the surprise musical guest on the first episode of the new series and the pair shared a passionate on-screen kiss.

O’Carroll said: “I leaned in mouthing words to the song he was singing and he kissed me. With tongues! My wife asked me if I was embarrassed and I said: ‘No. It was very nice. He’s a good kisser!’”

Showing Norton how he slips into character, he said: “Mrs Brown has the walk of someone waiting for a hip operation with a touch of Norman Wisdom.”

The Graham Norton Show is on BBC One tonight at 10.35pm.