Russell Brand says Bear Grylls 'flanked' him as he was baptised in Thames
Watch: Russell Brand says Bear Grylls was at his side for baptism
Russell Brand has revealed that Bear Grylls stood by him as he was baptised in the River Thames.
The comedian and actor told fans on social media that he has become a Christian. He said he was christened “in the River Thames and in my home” last week and that TV adventurer Grylls and his friend Joe were by his side for the special event.
Sharing a clip on social media that showed him clutching a crucifix, Brand told fans: “I want to thank Bear Grylls and my mate Joe, the two men that stood either side of me and flanked me for the baptism itself. It was pretty incredible.”
Brand had been exploring Christianity for some time and ahead of his baptism revealed on social media: “I’m taking the plunge.” However, it had not been known that Grylls would be a part of the special ceremony.
The pair got to know each other on the series Running Wild With Bear Grylls. Brand signed up for the programme last year and he joined the survival expert on a trek across the Hebrides.
During their adventure, Brand opened up to Grylls about his former relationship with singer Katy Perry, who he was married to from 2010 to 2012. The star is now married to wife Laura and they share three young children.
Russell Brand felt 'changed' after baptism
Talking about his baptism, Brand said in a video that he felt “changed” afterwards.
“It was an incredible, profound experience and something occurred in the process of baptism that was incredible,” he said. “It was overwhelming, literally overwhelming because I was obviously underwater, and it was the River Thames at some points, so I felt changed, transitioned.”
“This is my path now,” he went on. “And I already feel incredibly blessed, relieved, nourished, held.”
Brand said the actual ceremony had been an “intimate experience”. “Week one as a Christian has been amazing," he added.
Last year, Brand was questioned by police in connection with allegations of historic sex offences, which he has strongly denied.
Yahoo has reached out to representatives for Grylls.
