Ross, Brand bonded over Sachsgate

Jonathan Ross has stated that he is thankful for the 'Sachsgate' scandal, as it brought him closer to Russell Brand.

The comedians developed a deep bond after they were both attacked by the press and public for leaving inappropriate messages on actor Andrew Sachs's answering machine. The ensuing controversy prompted Brand to quit his BBC radio show and resulted in Ross's suspension from the corporation.

Speaking to Buzz, Ross noted: "The one really good thing to have come out of 'Sachsgate' was the closeness Russell and I have as friends. We went through something quite peculiar together and because of that I know he’s always there for me and he knows I’m always there for him."

When asked whether his family had attended Brand's Indian wedding to Katy Perry last October, Ross revealed: "I didn’t... But I adore Russell...The reason we didn’t go to the wedding was that it was the week that our eldest, Betty, was starting at university.

"I felt it was more important that I was focused on my first child going to uni. I knew they’d understand - and they did."

> Ross desperate to move on from Sachsgate