Russell Brand to host MTV Video Music Awards

Russell Brand is to host this year's MTV Video Music Awards in the US.

The British comic, who has spent a year in America working on stand-up shows and breaking into the movie industry, is delighted to have landed the prestigious job. Russell, who won rave reviews for his performance in comedy 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall', said of his plans for the show: "It'll be good to preside over what is sure to be only vaguely coordinated televised insanity. I'm planning to have lesbian kisses with Britney and Madonna individually. It's not going to be easy, what with my genitals, but God, I will try.

"I thought I might trust my luck and improvise. I'll have a couple of glasses of gin and just stagger out there and bellow with the Jonas Brothers."

Russell was referring to Madonna, Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera's infamous lesbian kiss at the ceremony in 2003. The MTV Video Music Awards will be held in Los Angeles on September 7.

In addition to landing the job hosting the Video Music Awards - also known as the VMAs – has been asked back to appear in a sequel to 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall', which was produced Judd Apatow.

Russell is also to star alongside US comedy heavyweight Adam Sandler - who he appears alongside in upcoming film 'Bedtime Stories'.

Adam has also agreed to produce a film written by Russell and his BBC radio show partner Matt Morgan based around a conman posing as a priest.

Russell is no stranger to hosting award shows.

He presented the 2007 BRIT Awards and handed friend Noel Gallagher and his Oasis bandmates their Lifetime Achievement Award.