Russell Brand to host Oscars?

Russell Brand has been contracted to shoot a one-hour stand-up special in the US.

The British comedian – who has made a name for himself in America in movies such as 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' as well as hosting the recent MTV Video Music Awards – will tape the show in November, for airing in 2009.

The special will feature Russell along with "an eclectic roster of special guests". Speaking about the Comedy Central programme, Russell said: "Comedy Central is the home of 'South Park', 'The Daily Show' and 'The Sarah Silverman Program'. I am thrilled to have such esteemed neighbours - particularly Sarah whom I shall be constantly troubling for cups of sugar and milk, breast milk."

Russell recently revealed he is keen to host the Academy Awards next year, and thinks he would be the perfect presenter.

He said: "I noticed there was an article in the Los Angeles Times newspaper saying that I should host the Oscars. So, I am available. I wrote it though, with a crayon.

'Why Russell Brand should host the Oscars', by Russell Brand! "I think the Oscars would be a lovely challenge. What a day out! People would not be upset. They would have the Oscar ceremony of their lives. It would cheer people up during this time of economic crisis. What you need to do is take a few risks, that's my words.

"I will host the Oscars. Unless I've got all madly revolutionary by then and capitalism is already collapsing."