Russell Brand pulls out of British Comedy Awards as friend is diagnosed with ... - Mirror.co.uk

RUSSELL Brand was forced to pull out of last night's British Comedy Awards after a close friend was suddenly diagnosed with a brain ­tumour.

The controversial comic was due to fly in from New York yesterday to collect a prestigious prize for his contribution to comedy.

But he did not feel it would be right to leave his pal and told organisers he could not make it. Producers were last night trying to arrange a ­video link so Brand, 35, could still accept his award.

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But it was still a huge blow for the show, which had planned to reunite Brand with host Jonathan Ross for the first time since the ­Sachsgate scandal.

Ross Tweeted: "A pal of his is ill and he is staying in NYC to look after him. Russell is an amazing friend."

Award winners included Michael McIntyre and Jo Brand (best male and female TV comics) and The ­Inbetweeners (best sitcom).