Russell Brand contemplated monkhood

Russell Brand considered becoming a monk after splitting from Katy Perry.

The British comic star felt saddened when his marriage to the popstar fell apart at the end of 2011 after just 14 months. Russell, a former sex addict, thought about taking a vow of celibacy and giving up women altogether during his divorce.

He made the confession during a stand-up comedy show at the Soho Theatre in London on Wednesday.

"When I got divorced, I considered becoming a monk. When you're a monk, you're not allowed to have sex with anyone," he told the crowd. "When you're married, it's one person. That's one more than a monk. It's not that different.

"I'd be having sex thinking, 'Think of anyone, anyone else.'"

The 38-year-old star clearly soon realised monkhood wasn't for him. Since splitting from Katy he has enjoyed a series of romantic flings and is currently believed to be dating his make-up artist Nicola Schuller.

Russell took to the stage earlier this week surrounded by large images of Jesus, Gandhi, Malcolm X and Che Guevara.

At one point during the routine, the picture of Jesus fell off its easel and the long-haired funnyman decided to hail himself as the "new Jesus".

Russell has also taken a keen interest in yoga since his divorce.

Earlier this year, it was revealed that Russell and Demi Moore had become firm friends after attending regular sessions together in Hollywood.

There were even claims that Demi saw Russell as a "spiritual guru" and the pair were in constant contact.

"Apparently, Demi calls Russell twice a day for advice and they have been getting together for yoga sessions instead of her usual Kabbalah meetings," a source told British magazine Grazia.