Gary Hollywood has revealed that he is taking legal action against Mrs Brown's Boys creator Brendan O'Carroll for constructive dismissal and workplace discrimination.

O'Carroll, 65, appears as lead character Agnes 'Mammy' Brown in the sitcom, which has become a staple of the BBC's Christmas schedules over the last decade.

Hollywood has starred as Dino, Mammy's son-in-law, in the series and its predecessor stage show for more than 20 years but was dropped for this year's festive shows after allegedly questioning why his pay was lower than that of fellow cast members.

"I feel I wasn't being paid equally and I wasn't being given an explanation for decisions," he told the Daily Star.

"When I tried to resolve it, nothing was done. I was just disregarded. But I won't put up with it any more. I won't be ­treated like that. This has gone too far. They shouldn't do this to people.

"I am taking legal action. The papers have been lodged for a tribunal and the process has now started."

He continued: "When I tried to ask Brendan about fees, I'd get told how ­grateful I should be.

"I do feel there is bullying ­going on there because when that ­happens, you feel like you can't speak up about stuff.

"I've known Brendan for 20 years. I very much looked at him as a mentor and I had a lot of respect for him. I always thought he had my back.

"But then the door shut and all I got from Brendan was a single text that said I was out of [a festive episode]. That hurt. Why did he not pick up the phone? This is ­extremely sad for me.

"This is a man who has been a father figure for me. I expected more. I was ­discarded. I have no idea why he has been like this."

This year's second special will air New Year's Day at 10pm on BBC One.