Russell Brand in talks with BBC about first new TV outing since 'Sachsgate'

Controversial comedian who caused stir with prank phone calls in line to front documentary about addiction on BBC3

Russell Brand is in talks with the BBC about presenting his first TV programme, a film about addiction, for the broadcaster since being forced out over a prank phone calls row in 2008.

The comedian – eager, it would appear, to mend fences after the scandal – has said he would waive any fee to forestall criticism of the proposed BBC3 programme.

Discussions are continuing, but it is thought the film will explore the issue of addiction in a similar way to how Stephen Fry tackled depression for BBC2 in 2006.

Last year, after the death of his friend and fellow addict Amy Winehouse, Brand paid tribute to her, saying they "shared an affliction, the disease of addiction".

Brand left the BBC in 2008 following a row over a prank phone call he and Jonathan Ross made to the actor Andrew Sachs about Sachs's granddaughter. Since then Brand has gone on to appear in a number of Hollywood films.

He has returned to broadcasting in the UK – in 2009 he co-hosted a sports show with Noel Gallagher on TalkSport, and in 2010 appeared as a guest on Dermot O'Leary's BBC Radio 2 show – but has not fronted a TV programme since leaving. His only recent appearance on BBC screens has been in BBC4 reruns of his BBC2 documentary, On the Road.

A BBC spokesman said: "We are working with Russell on a programme about addiction in the UK but it's currently only in its early stages."

Brand, who has spent time in rehab, has often called for addicts to be treated as "sick people in need of care". He also said: "We need to review the way society treats addicts … we need to look at the way our government funds rehabilitation. It is cheaper to rehabilitate an addict than to send them to prison, so criminalisation doesn't even make economic sense."

The BBC is also in talks about airing a charity concert planned by Winehouse's family and Comic Relief, at which a number of star names are likely to perform.

It is expected that some of the money raised by the concert will go to charities that help addicts and tackle addiction.

Last year the Amy Winehouse Foundation was set up in the singer's memory to help young people suffering with ill health, disability, financial woes or addiction.

Winehouse died in July 2011 from alcohol poisoning after a drinking binge following a period of abstinence during which she was trying to conquer her problems with alcohol.

A Comic Relief spokesman said: "There are no confirmed plans at the moment."

• This article was amended on 18 April 2012 to remove a phrase, inserted during the editing process, which said discussions were continuing as the corporation weighed the sensitivities. The final discussions do not concern that issue.

Contributor

Tara Conlan

The GuardianTramp

Related Content

Article image
Russell Brand returns to live radio for first time since Andrew Sachs row
Comedian’s new Sunday morning show on Radio X comes nine years after he quit BBC following ‘Sachsgate’ row

Esther Addley

30, Mar, 2017 @11:52 AM

Article image
Simon Hattenstone meets actor Andrew Sachs
Andrews Sachs attracted much public sympathy when Jonathan Ross and Russell Brand mocked him on radio. Was it a shock, Simon Hattenstone asks

Simon Hattenstone

01, May, 2009 @11:01 PM

BBC broadcasts Sachs apology on Radio 2

Second Radio 2 executive resigns in the wake of the Andrew Sachs affair. By John Plunkett

John Plunkett

08, Nov, 2008 @12:01 AM

Article image
BBC Radio 2 broadcasts apology for 'grossly offensive' Brand-Ross prank

Short statement describes call to the former Fawlty Towers star Andrew Sachs as 'unacceptable intrusion' into private lives. By Haroon Siddique

Haroon Siddique

08, Nov, 2008 @11:19 AM

Article image
Helen Mirren backs Russell Brand over 'Sachsgate' row
Oscar-winning actor says comedian has 'a great heart' and media furore over prank calls made her 'cross'. By Jason Deans

Jason Deans

19, Sep, 2011 @11:01 PM

Article image
Sachs thanks Ross and Brand for profile boost

Controversy was good for my career, actor admits

Simon Hattenstone

01, May, 2009 @4:13 PM

Ian Jack: Russell Brand v Thomas Hobbes - no wonder the BBC is floundering

Ian Jack: At least the 17th-century philosopher had some editorial guidelines for 'edgy' comedy

Ian Jack

01, Nov, 2008 @12:01 AM

Article image
Performers fear 'safety first' will lead to exodus of talent as programme makers feel the chill

Backlash swells over departure of Radio 2's controller as Trust chairman plays down fears of clampdown. By Owen Gibson and Helen Pidd

Owen Gibson and Helen Pidd

01, Nov, 2008 @12:01 AM

Jonathan Ross's finest moments in clips

As Jonathan Ross announces he is leaving the BBC, a selection of highlights from the broadcaster's career. By Vicky Frost

Vicky Frost

07, Jan, 2010 @1:05 PM

Article image
Russell Brand: Jonathan Ross tried to make me drop 'Sachsgate' broadcast
Ross twice suggested answerphone messages to Andrew Sachs should not be broadcast, Russell Brand claims in new book. By John Plunkett

John Plunkett

20, Sep, 2010 @10:32 AM