Actor and comedian Ardal O’Hanlon left the hosts of Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch astounded with a surprising revelation about his unusual hobby. During the episode aired on February 1, 2024, O’Hanlon disclosed that he collects his own beard clippings, a confession that elicited laughter and bewilderment from the show’s panel including Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer.
O’Hanlon, known for his roles as Father Dougal McGuire in the iconic sitcom Father Ted and as Detective Inspector Jack Mooney in the BBC’s Death in Paradise, described the origins of his peculiar habit. When pressed for details by the hosts, he clarified, “I genuinely do, I collect my beard trimmings.” This unusual pastime prompted laughter as Lovejoy questioned, “You don’t hang out in barbers then?”
The conversation quickly turned to the reasoning behind his hobby. O’Hanlon explained that it began years ago during a theatrical performance where he sported a particularly bushy beard. “I felt it would be an awful waste when I finished the play to just discard the filings,” he said. He started keeping the trimmings in a labelled vial as a memento of his character, and the practice continued from there.
Tim Lovejoy and Simon Rimmer were visibly perplexed by O’Hanlon’s collection, prompting Lovejoy to quip, “We need a bit more” about the rationale behind it. O’Hanlon humorously claimed he might have the largest collection in the world, which only deepened the intrigue.
The discussion took a lighter turn when fellow panellist Seann Walsh suggested using the clippings to stuff pillows. O’Hanlon enthusiastically entertained the idea, suggesting various applications for his collection. “In the years to come, when I’m no longer around, my children…” he began, unable to finish his thought as laughter erupted in the studio.
As the conversation shifted, Lovejoy imagined O’Hanlon’s children discovering the collection and labeling him a “psychopath,” a comment that added to the humor of the moment. Rimmer, still chuckling, remarked, “That’s amazing,” before redirecting focus to the food preparation taking place on set.
The episode showcased not only O’Hanlon’s comedic charm but also the light-hearted banter that characterizes Sunday Brunch. The show continues to air every Sunday at 10:00 AM on Channel 4, offering audiences a mix of culinary delights and entertaining guest appearances.
