Russell Brand

This news-comedy show was the unexpected star of the 2012 Paralympic Games: led by comedian Adam Hills, its irreverent round-up of the day's events won a following all of its own. So much so that it came back earlier this year, not to comment on sport but simply on the week's news. That's a crowded marketplace, in which The Last Leg has found a niche.

Along with the wry, sideways, irreverent looks at some of the quirkier stories you might have missed, there's a convivial and inclusive atmosphere that softens the sharpness of the gags - the first 2013 series was best known for a piece to camera in which Adam Hills eviscerated US comedian Joan Rivers, but he was doing it because Rivers had made fat gags about Adele. That's The Last Leg all over: right-on, usually spot-on and brightly funny.

Hills is flanked by co-hosts Josh Widdicombe and Alex Brooker. Tonight's guest: Russell Brand.

Russell Brand: Sachsgate was down to bias against BBC

The so-called Sachsgate controversy erupted because of a bias against the BBC, comedian Russell Brand has said.

Russell Brand dates his stylist Nicola Schuller

Comic dates his stylist of ten years Nicola Schuller
as he admits he is desperate to be a father.

In 2008, controversy magnet-cum-comedian Russell Brand quit the BBC in shame over "Manuelgate". Now his rehabilitation at the Corporation is complete. Last month, he sat on the Question Time panel alongside that other womanising wag, Boris Johnson. Today Brand appeared on another Beeb institution, Desert Island Discs (Radio 4).

Prompted by the gently probing Kirsty Young, Brand reflected on that notorious 2008 prank phone call to actor Andrew Sachs. He talked of "nearly breaking" his beloved BBC but described the storm as a "dishonest scandal" created by "privately owned media with a pre-existing agenda to attack the BBC". Five years on, he still seemed slightly confused: contrite yet defiant, taking the blame yet deflecting it elsewhere.

Young mentioned her castaway's "beguilingly florid turn of phrase" in her introduction and Brand duly delivered, describing his father as a "sporadically present peripatetic figure" and himself as a "shamanic libido lizard". He confessed to being tired, which rendered him calm, thoughtful and less manic than his stand-up persona.

Brand talked frankly and movingly about his childhood loneliness and mother's cancer. He paid tribute to his mother and grandmother, admitting that they'd "come between me and the grave on many occasions" and said he wants children "to a point that's almost unseemly in a man".

Russell Brand talks about Morning Joe and Question Time

So what really happened behind the scenes when Russell Brand turned up with his mum to take part in Question Time? And what did he make of Boris?

Russell Brand rules Question Time's clash of the egos

BBC lines comedian up with Boris Johnson and Melanie Phillips but the arguments fizzle rather than sizzle.

Russell Brand cancels Middle East gigs

Russell Brand has cancelled several gigs in the Middle East over fears for his safety.

Question Time quiz: Russell Brand or Boris Johnson?

One of them is a wild-haired wordsmith known for his sexual conquests. The other is Russell Brand. Both are going head to head on Question Time.

Russell Brand appeals for rethink on drug users

Russell Brand tonight called for a review of British drug laws during an appearance on BBC One's Question Time.

From Russell Brand with not enough love

It's not so much a case of the man taking himself too seriously as earnestly wishing the world would take itself more so. Earnestness and humour make for poor bed-fellows, of course, and he could press his points home less abrasively.