[Dan_]

Russell Brand, "the most exciting comedian of his generation", is to move from BBC 6 Music to present a new weekly show for BBC Radio 2.

The two-hour show will be broadcast between 9pm and 11pm on Saturday nights, starting on 18 November 2006.

Highlights of Russell's new show will be made available for download and podcast each week via the Radio 2 website - bbc.co.uk/radio2.

Russell will also be writing a weekly blog for the network.

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[Arneldo]

COMIC Russell Brand has been axed by the BBC for being “too wild”.

He was shown the door by BBC 6Music, despite helping the station enjoy a 40% ratings boost.

Insiders said this Sunday’s show would be the last Brand hosts for the digital station.

News of the sacking sent shockwaves around the BBC because he had been tipped for a move to Radio 2.

Fans, who loved his edgy, madcap antics, will also be stunned at his departure because they made it one of the UK’s most talked about and exciting radio shows.

Last night BBC bosses were in crisis talks to put a positive spin on the departure.

Sources claimed the 31-year-old funnyman was leaving because of a series of on-air controversies. One insider said: “They couldn’t handle all the insanity that goes on around Russell.

“He produces a great radio show but is just a little bit too edgy and unpredictable for the BBC to handle.

“It all happened so quickly – one minute he’s the golden boy, the next he’s gone.”

Last month 6Music and Radio 2 controller Lesley Douglas praised Russell for being “on top of his form”.

But sources insisted things were not so hunky-dory behind the scenes.
One insider said: “He does his own thing – maybe it’s a case of him being a little too wild for the Beeb.”

Brand, who has bedded a string of babes, has always courted controversy.
The former heroin, crack and booze addict was sacked by MTV in 2001 for turning up dressed as Osama bin Laden a day after September 11.

He has come under fire for outspoken comments on air, including his backing for sidekick Trevor Lock, 33, after his pal was suspended over a false rape allegation.



Last night his publicist Barbara Charone referred calls to the BBC press office. BBC 6Music’s spokesman was not available for comment, as she was in meetings about Brand.

Daily Star