Wayward comic gets a second chance

Russell Brand is returning to MTV, four years after being sacked for his junkie lifestyle.

In 2002, the comic was ejected him from the youth channel’s premises when bosses became exasperated with his bizarre behaviour, fuelled by his addictions to cocaine and heroin.

But Brand has now cleaned up his act and, following a successful stint hosting E4's Celebrity Big Brother's Big Mouth, has been signed up to present a Sunday night entertainment show for MTV.

Brand, who has also returned to the stand-up circuit, said: ‘I am better now, I'll be no trouble I promise.   won't steal stationery, misuse the photocopier or consume mind-bending drinks whilst on telly.’

Brand made his name on MTV shows such as Dance Floor Chart, Select and the UK tour of Jackass. It was this tour that led him to losing his job, after racking up huge hotel bills bills, including a late night expense claim for designer swimming trunks and five-star room service in four cities for his pet snails Wilber & Bertie.

He also shocked bosses when the day after Al Qaeda terrorists attacked the World Trade Centre, he dressed up as an Arab and took his drug dealer with him to work at MTV.

Brand’s new series, 1 Leicester Square, will feature a mix of showbiz interviews and live bands, and starts on Sunday April 2 at 8pm.

Published: 11 Mar 2006