What brings Russell Brand to Ramsey St?
He’s a controversial UK comedian, but not even Russell Brand could pass up a trip to Erinsborough. But will we be seeing him on our TV screens?
Fiona Byrne
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Provocative comedian and author Russell Brand has added an Aussie icon to his list of conquests.
Brand, who is in Australia with his Recovery tour, has filmed a guest role on the much loved soap, Neighbours.
Brand, who played himself, shot a scene on Friday afternoon alongside Ramsay St. favourite Ryan Moloney who plays Jarrod “Toadfish” Rebecchi.
The storyline revolved around Brand visiting Erinsborough for the Erinsborough Writer’s Festival.
The chance to lure Brand to Melbourne’s eastern suburbs where the show is filmed came after producers twigged the British star was an unlikely Neighbours fans.
Realising he was heading to Australia for his tour, the production invited him to check out the show. That turned into him filming the cameo, all of which fell into place as late as Thursday, with the scene being shot on Friday.
“We heard a whisper that Russell was a Neighbours fan and couldn’t resist inviting him to the set,” Neighbours’ Executive Producer, Jason Herbison, said.
“As it turned out we were filming an upcoming storyline that gave an organic reason for him to pass through Ramsay Street and we’re not just about his comedic talent – his literary genius plays a huge part,” said Neighbours’ Executive Producer, Jason Herbison.
The episode featuring Brand will air in June.
While on set Brand met cast including cast members including Tim Robards and April Rose Pengilly.
Brand will perform at Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on Saturday night.