BBC launches Russell Brand investigation

The BBC has launched a review into its programme clearance procedures after receiving over 500 complaints about an episode of Russell Brand's Radio 2 programme where he and Jonathan Ross left a series of crude voicemails on Fawlty Towers star Andrew Sachs' mobile.

The corporation has also issued a formal apology to Sachs "for the offence caused".

546 people so far have complained to the BBC about the broadcast, which went out on Saturday, October 18. During the broadcast, Ross suggested that Brand had "f**ked" Sachs' granddaughter and the pair subsequently joked that the actor might kill himself.

"We have received a letter of a complaint from Mr Sachs' agent and would like to sincerely apologise to Mr Sachs for the offence caused," the BBC said in a statement. "We recognise that some of the content broadcast was unacceptable and offensive.

"We are reviewing how this came about and are responding to Mr Sachs personally. We also apologise to listeners for any offence caused."

On his most recent Radio 2 outing, Brand offered listeners his own apology.