Russell Brand and Boris Johnson to go head-to-head on Question Time

Russell Brand will appear alongside Boris Johnson on Question Time. (Getty Images)

Comedian Russell Brand is to be a panellist on political debate show Question Time, sharing the stage with Mayor of London Boris Johnson.

Brand will feature on the BBC1 show in a fortnight as the latest celebrity to air their thoughts on topical issues, following appearances by figures such as Charlotte Church, Hugh Grant and Fern Britton.

His appearance alongside politicians comes nearly five years after he left the BBC under a cloud, resigning in the wake of the Sachsgate scandal.

He and Jonathan Ross famously left smutty messages on the answerphone of veteran actor Andrew Sachs during a pre-recorded edition of Brand's Radio 2 show, and the furore led to the departure of the station controller. Ross was suspended for his part in the prank and eventually went on to leave the BBC and work for ITV.

Brand has since found Hollywood stardom and has subsequently appeared on the BBC again hosting his charity fundraising show Give It Up For Comic Relief.

He will appear on the programme on June 20 alongside Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey, Labour MP Tessa Jowell, and writer Melanie Phillips. Presenter David Dimbleby will be hosting the show from London's City Hall.

PA