“My dad’s philosophy was (and I think still is) that life is a malevolent force, which seeks to destroy you, and you have to struggle with it. Only those who are hard enough will succeed. Most people get crushed, but if you fight, in the end life will go, “Fucking hell. This one’s serious. Let him through.” – Russell Brand

Shagger of the year, three years running...

The hugely controversial character he is, Russell Brand doesn’t half know how to stir it up, but the man can write. Two of the most cleverly written books I’ve ever read are My Booky Wook and Booky Wook 2… his autobiographies. Both are laced with genius metaphors and thoughts on life that are so well crafted they could influence the view of the masses.

Brand had issues with addiction, to drugs, alcohol and sex… you know, the good stuff! (you know I’m kidding, chill). Anyway, his outstanding talents and life-long dreams were relentlessly held back by the force of misery that is dependence, until he slowly but surely sculpted himself a decent, loving group of friends and colleagues who would help him through his issues and help keep him facing the right way (which at that time was probably any which wasn’t face down in the gutter).

Long story short, he took that obsessive, destructive personality of his and with the help of the people he’d chosen to spend time with, set off on a spectacular trajectory which in a ridiculously short space of time, saw him achieving that life-long dream of starring in Hollywood movies and more. Love him or hate him… he’s not boring… and I’ve made my mind up.

Also, he rightly mentions on several occasions throughout the gripping tale of the minefield which was his life, the importance of strategically injecting spells of laughter when life strives to make you feel sore. Mind you… he is a comedian. Anything to get the viewers in eh?! Good man.