Russell Brand joins Radio X nine years after Sachsgate uproar

Russell Brand is returning to regular live radio nine years after the scandal that nearly derailed his career.

The actor and comic, 41, was forced to resign from the BBC in 2008 after he caused uproar when prank calls he made to veteran actor Andrew Sachs with Jonathan Ross were played on his Radio 2 show.

The BBC was later fined £150,000 for airing the “Sachsgate” calls, which featured Brand leaving offensive messages about the actor’s granddaughter on his answering machine. Sachs died last November.

Brand, who will host a two-hour Sunday programme on Radio X at 11am this weekend, said the show would “be about joy, unity and togetherness” and added: “Sorry for any offence in advance.”

Matt Deverson, Radio X Managing Editor, said: “Radio X is home to big personalities and we’re incredibly excited to be welcoming Russell back for his live radio return.

“He’s a huge talent and his Sunday morning show is going to become a must-listen for fans of his irreverent humour.

“He’s part of the Radio X family and we can’t wait to have him back on air.”

Brand first appeared on the station, when it was known as XFM, in 2002, but was sacked for reading out pornography live on air.

The news comes months after he welcomed his first child with fiancée Laura Gallacher.

Brand will host Sunday mornings on Radio X from 11am – 1pm.