Russell Brand cancels gig after mum injured in hit-and-run smash

Comedian Russell Brand has been forced to cancel a gig after his mum was hurt in a hit-and-run car crash and taken to hospital.

Barbara Brand, 71, was rushed to hospital, along with her driver, when a Vauxhall Astra smashed into their Audi A8 in Brentwood, Essex.

While neither’s injuries were described as life-threatening, both Barbara and her chauffeur who’s in his 40s were treated in hospital after the unknown driver of an Astra hit them and immediately fled the scene of the accident.

As a result, Russell, 42, abandoned his upcoming commitments to a gig in Scotland, as Aberdeen Performing Arts tweeted about his postponed gig: ‘POSTPONEMENT OF RUSSELL BRAND:REBIRTH TONIGHT AT HIS MAJESTY’S THEATRE,’ it said, followed by a link to those who’d bought tickets.

‘Please keep hold of your tickets. Tickets holders will be contacted about the rescheduling of the show very soon.

‘We realise this will cause huge disappointment but we will do everything we can to reschedule the date and will be in touch with you soon,’ the theatre’s statement read.

The motor incident occurred on Thursday morning, with the comedy show due to happen that same night. Russell apparently dropped everything to be at his injured mum’s hospital bedside upon hearing the news, making his way south.

Essex police confirmed the crash and that the culprit ran from the scene: ‘The Audi driver and passenger, a man in his 40s and woman in her 70s, were taken to hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

‘The occupant of the Astra had left the scene. Inquiries are ongoing to locate them.’

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