RUSSELL BRAND - COMEDIAN RUSSELL BRAND TO HOST MTV AWARDS

British comedian Russell Brand has been confirmed as the host of this year's MTV Video Music awards.

The ceremony will take place in Los Angeles on September 7th and will host some of the music industry's biggest stars.

Brand is relatively unknown in the States. He has starred in the comedy Forgetting Sarah Marshall and is currently filming the Adam Sandler film Bedtime Stories.

A statement on MTV's website even alludes to the 33-year-old's relative unknown status.

"Did you see Forgetting Sarah Marshall? The English guy? That's him. He's known for being more than a little insane, so he's perfect for this gig," the statement claims.

The British comedian said it would be "good to preside over what is sure to be only vaguely co-ordinated televised insanity".

"That's how I've made my name in this country: flying very much by the seat - and the crotch - of my pants."

So far only teenage pop band the Jonas Brothers have been confirmed to perform at the awards ceremony.