Russell Brand has been charged with further sexual offences

These charges are in addition to the original charges of two counts of rape, one of indecent assault and two of sexual assault that he pleaded not guilty to in May.

Brand will appear at Westminster Magistrates Court on January 20 to answer to the two additional charges and is set to face trial for the original five charges from next June at Southwark Crown Court in London.

A number of sexual abuse allegations against the Get Him to the Greek actor were first reported in 2023 as part of an investigation by Channel 4's Dispatches programme and The Sunday Times newspaper.

Testimony from several women who encountered Brand between 1999 and 2005 indicated an alleged pattern of predatory behaviour from the comedian and broadcaster.

DCI Tariq Farooqi, who is leading the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, said: "The women who have made reports, including those connected to the two new charges, continue to receive support from specially trained officers.

"The Met's investigation remains ongoing, and detectives urge anyone affected by this case, or anyone with information, to come forward and speak with police. A dedicated team of investigators can be reached via email at CIT@met.police.uk.

"Support is also available through the independent charity Rape Crisis by contacting the 24/7 rape and sexual abuse support line."

Brand - who has three children with his wife Laura Gallacher - denied the allegations when he was first charged by the Metropolitan Police in April.

He said in a video statement on social media: "I've always told you guys that when I was young and single before I had my wife and family... I was a fool, man.

"I was a fool before I lived in the light of the Lord. I was a drug addict, a sex addict, and an imbecile. But what I never was, was a rapist. I've never engaged in nonconsensual activity. I pray that you can see that by looking in my eyes."

Brand added: "Of course, I'm now going to have the opportunity to defend these charges in court. And I'm incredibly grateful for that."