Russell Brand joked with Piers Morgan that the “shine has come off” his “Sh****r of the Year” awards after being accused of rape. The comedian pleaded not guilty to rape and sexual assault charges in February this year, and is facing a London trial after being accused of various offences –some that are alleged to have taken place between 1999 and 2005, and others relating to 2009.

Now Brand has sat down with Morgan on his Uncensored show in which he made a string of controversial remarks – before acknowledging that it is his “job” not to be afraid of “the truth” if he is sent to prison. In the interview, Brand touched Morgan’s shoulder as he said: “Look, I know we’re both English, but do you mind if I pray?” before praying to God out loud.

He added: “Amidst the rape allegations, the Sh****r of the Year titles do not seem quite as valuable. Some of the shine has come off,” with a smile.

Morgan challenged him: “You only became a Christian seven months after the allegations were made public. You worked out that this could give you some kind of cover. You know there are people who think you are basically just a massive grifter.”

Brand hit back: “No, that’s what they say about you, actually. Piers, I want you to calm down and slow down.”

It comes a day after Brand admitted he had “exploitative” but consensual sex with a 16 year old girl when he was 30.

He admitted on Megyn Kelly’s show: “I did sleep with a 16-year-old when I was 30. When I was 30, I was a very different person. I was a lot younger, and I was an immature 30-year-old.

“Consensual sex with a lot of people, when there is a strong power differential, as there is when you are a famous man who has the ability to attract women that I had at that time, I think involves exploitation. I think it is exploitative.

“I recognise that my sexual conduct in the past was selfish and I did not apply enough consideration, barely any I suppose, really, to how that sex was affecting other people.”

If you've been the victim of sexual assault, you can access help and resources via www.rapecrisis.org.uk or calling the national telephone helpline on 0808 802 9999