'I'll bring back the mayhem'

Russell Brand has been named as host next year's Brit Awards - and has vowed to make the show controversial again.

In a bid to spice up the ceremony, which has in recent years been criticised as feeling stale, the bash will be broadcast live on February 14.

Brand said he wanted the show to provide ‘controlled danger’.

Brand told The Sun: ‘I will do my level best to tear it up. Once it starts it is all in my hands. It is going to be like the rock and roll Brits of old.

‘I am going to be the ringleader at this carnival of mayhem and I’m really looking forward to it.’

‘They said it would be live and a potentially explosive event and I thought that sounded interesting. It is the biggest gig going in the UK for someone in my job. I’m flattered to be asked.

‘I thrive on unpredictability. When chaos happens I feel I am used to it. I embrace it. Oasis and other rock and roll royalty will be present so there is a risk of expletives going out across our green and pleasant land.’

Others performing on the night include Razorlight and Scissor Sisters.

It will be the first Brit awards to go out live since 1989, when it was shambolically presented by Samantha Fox and Mick Fleetwood.

Published: 4 Dec 2006