Russell Brand 'sniffs alcohol for Arthur'

Arthur director Jason Winer has revealed that Russell Brand "sniffs" alcohol to get into character on set.

The comedian, who has previously struggled with drink and drug addictions, is currently filming a remake of the 1981 Dudley Moore film.

Winer told Empire that Brand has taken to smelling alcoholic drinks in order to prepare for playing the drunken playboy titular character.

He said: "[Brand] sniffs alcohol to give himself a sense memory of what those days were like."

Winer also denied that the crew had fears about the 35-year-old relapsing, saying: "Russell's been sober for years so we're not worried."