Russell Brand resigns over crude calls

By Michael Holden

LONDON (Reuters) - Comedian Russell Brand resigned on Wednesday from his BBC radio show over the crude messages he and television presenter Jonathan Ross left on the answerphone of actor Andrew Sachs.

The 47-year-old Ross also issued a public apology after he and Brand, 33, were suspended by the BBC for their "gross lapse of taste."

"As I only do the radio show to make people laugh I've decided that given the subsequent coverage I will stop doing the show," said Brand.

"I got a bit caught up in the moment and forgot that at the core of the rude comments and silly songs were the real feelings of a beloved and brilliant comic actor and a very sweet and big hearted young woman.

"I hope that now Jonathan and the BBC will endure less forensic wrath."

The Radio 2 presenters had joked on air that Brand had slept with the granddaughter of 78-year-old Sachs, who played Spanish waiter Manuel in the classic comedy series "Fawlty Towers," and said Sachs might kill himself after hearing their messages.

"I am deeply sorry and greatly regret the upset and distress that my juvenile and thoughtless remarks on the Russell Brand show have caused," said Ross in his statement.

"However, it was a stupid error of judgement on my part and I offer a full apology.