Brand signs for Comedy Central special

Russell Brand has signed up for a one-hour stand-up special with US channel Comedy Central.

The comic, fresh from his controversial presenting of the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards, will film the special next month in New York with a host of special guests.

Elizabeth Porter, Comedy Central's senior vice president for specials and talent, said: "Russell Brand's comedy is a perfect match for our audience. He's a fresh new face with a rock star aura and a unique and unpredictable act that pushes the envelope of comedy.

"American audiences who have been exposed to Russell through Forgetting Sarah Marshall and the VMAs have seen just the tip of the iceberg."

Brand said of his upcoming special: "Comedy Central is the home of South Park, The Daily Show and The Sarah Silverman Programme. I am thrilled to have such esteemed neighbours - particularly Sarah, whom I shall be constantly troubling for cups of sugar and milk, breast milk."

The Russell Brand special will air next year on Comedy Central.