Russell Brand Takes On Jeremy Paxman (Plus Beard) On BBC's Newsnight (VIDEO)

Russell Brand V Jeremy Paxman

First the cookie monster, then a dog with a degree, now Paxman versus Brand on beards, revolution and a hatred of the Tory Party. When did Newsnight, that ageing, late night, sleep-inducer suddenly become the most watchable programme on British TV?

Wednesday’s offering continued the show’s good form, with producer Ian Katz pitting Paxo against the garrulous, unpredictable yet always-brilliant Russell Brand. And the pair played their roles to perfection.

Brand took on Paxo... and the established social order

“What will your revolution look like?” growled Paxo from behind said beard.

“I’ll tell you what it won’t be like,” said Brand in a moment of clarity, “a huge disparity between rich and poor, where 300 Americans have the same amount of wealth as the 85 million poorest Americans, where there is an exploited and underserved underclass that are being continually ignored and where welfare is slashed while Cameron and Osborne go to court to defend the rights of bankers to continue to receive their bonuses. This has to be addressed.”

During the exchange, Brand told Paxo that he has never voted, and he never will. Why? Because the political system has created a "disenfranchised, disillusioned underclass".

"I am not that I am not voting out of apathy," said the 38-year-old. "I am not voting out of absolute indifference and weariness and exhaustion from the lies, treachery and deceit of the political class that has been going on for generations."

Earlier, Paxman had attempted to find common ground by telling his opponent he didn’t "necessarily disagree" with him. "Then why do I feel so cross with you?" replied Brand.

What wonderful nonsense and yet wonderful honesty.

Close

What's Hot