Noel Fielding has broken his silence on his former comedy colleague Russell Brand after the disgraced star was convicted and jailed for 10 years and six months for rape and sexual assault
Noel Fielding and Russell Brand were once regular fixtures on the British comedy circuit, with the pair sharing the screen on several television appearances before the Great British Bake Off presenter issued a strongly worded statement distancing himself from the disgraced comedian.
Fielding, 53, broke his silence after Brand, 51, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison following his conviction for one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault.
In a statement, Noel said he was “horrified and deeply disturbed” by Brand’s crimes, adding that he had been completely unaware of his behaviour until the allegations became public knowledge.
He also insisted their relationship had been professional rather than personal, explaining that he had not been in contact with Russell for many years.
However, the pair were once frequently seen together during the height of their respective careers in the 2000s, collaborating on television, radio and live comedy performances.
Noel and Brand worked together on shows including The Big Fat Quiz of the Year and both regularly appeared on panel shows and at award ceremonies alongside one another. Noel also made guest appearances on Brand’s radio shows.
The pair’s last known appearance together was on The Great Celebrity Bake Off for Stand Up to Cancer in 2019 (recorded in 2018) when Brand made a 3D biscuit showstopper depicting the birth of his second daughter. Noel was hosting the show at the time and continues to hold that role now, co-hosting with Alison Hammond.
One of their most memorable appearances came on Channel 4’s Big Fat Quiz of the Year in 2007, when they joined host Jimmy Carr alongside Jonathan Ross, David Mitchell, Rob Brydon and singer Lily Allen.
A clip from the programme has recently resurfaced, showing the comedians making jokes about rape during an exchange involving Lily, who was the only woman on the panel.
Jonathan made a joke about Lily being seated next to Russell and Noel, referring to their reputations with women. Noel responded: “How dare you? We’re not rapists.”
Russell then continued the exchange by asking Noel whether he had committed rape, prompting the Mighty Boosh star to pull his cape over his face and joke about leaving the scene of a crime.
Lily later reflected on the uncomfortable exchange in a 2023 interview with Grazia, describing the comments as “really horrendous” in hindsight.
The pair also became known as The Goth Detectives, teaming up for comedy sketches and live charity performances. Their shared appearances and playful exchanges helped establish them as an unlikely double act during the decade.
Noel also made appearances on Russell’s BBC Radio 2 show, further cementing their professional association.
Despite their previous on-screen chemistry, Noel has now made clear that he viewed their connection as a working relationship rather than a friendship.
Reflecting on their past performances, he added: “Looking back at some of the jokes I made alongside him I was appalled. They were horrible and inappropriate, and I very much regret them.”
Fielding has not been accused of any wrongdoing and there is no suggestion he knew about Brand’s crimes.
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