Russell Brand 'to return as VMAs host'

Russell Brand has signed on to return as the host of this year's MTV Video Music Awards, says The Sun.

The British comedian caused controversy when he fronted the annual ceremony last year after making jokes about the Jonas Brothers and former Alaskan governor Sarah Palin.

"He is over the moon. It's the first time ever that the same host has been used for two consecutive years," said a friend.

"[It] means a lot to him. He has had to promise not to offend the Jonas Brothers again, though!"

Speaking last year, the 34-year-old admitted that the network were eager for him to return after seeing a 20% increase in viewers following his widely-discussed appearance.

He added: "But the VMAs are the hardest thing I have ever done and I will think very carefully before accepting their kind offer of doing it again.

"I spent a lot of time suppressing the urge to scream a career-ending remark during the show. The knowledge that you could say something that would make the world go nuts."

The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards will take place at Madison Square Gardens in September and reportedly feature a West Side Story theme.