Russell Brand misses British Comedy Awards 2011 due to sick pal

The latest gossip and news written in the Lisa McGarry reports...

View the original post Russell Brand misses British Comedy Awards 2011 due to sick pal on Unreality TV

Russell Brand was forced to miss last night’s British Comedy Awards ceremony, because his friend was seriously ill.

The newlywed comedian was due to pick up the Outstanding Contribution to Comedy honour at LondonÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s The O2 but stayed in New York to be with close pal Martino Sclavi, who is said to be in a critical condition after having a brain tumour removed earlier this week.

In a video acceptance speech, Russell said: Ã¢â‚¬Å“IÃ¢â‚¬â„¢m really sorry I couldnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t be there. One of my friends is really ill and I couldnÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t travel.Ã¢â‚¬Â

The 35-year-old comic Ã¢â‚¬â€œ who is married to singer Katy Perry Ã¢â‚¬â€œ later tweeted: Ã¢â‚¬Å“Thanks for my award, you beautiful British b*****ds. Comedy is our best defence against pain. In conjunction with medical expertise.Ã¢â‚¬Â

The programmeÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s host, RussellÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s friend Jonathan Ross, was disappointed by the starÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s absence.

He tweeted: Ã¢â‚¬Å“So sad. Was really looking forward to seeing Russell at the comedy awards.Ã¢â‚¬Â

Elsewhere at the awards, Miranda Hart picked up three awards, taking home trophies for the PeopleÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s Choice Award and Best Comedy Actress, as well as her sitcom Ã¢â‚¬ËœMirandaÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ being named Best New TV Comedy.

Michael McIntyre was named Best Male TV Comic, while veteran funnywoman Jo Brand picked up the female honour.

Ã¢â‚¬ËœThe InbetweenersÃ¢â‚¬â„¢ Ã¢â‚¬â€œ which ended after its third season last year Ã¢â‚¬â€œ was named Best Sitcom.

British Comedy Awards winners list:

Best Male TV Comic:

Michael McIntyre

Best Female TV Comic:

Jo Brand

Best TV Comedy Actress:

Miranda Hart

Best TV Comedy Actor:

Peter Capaldi

Best Male Comedy Breakthrough Artist: