Jonathan Ross is seen for the first time since saying he was 'genuinely unaware of the conduct' of his friends David Walliams and Russell Brand

Detailed summary

Partying at exclusive VIP events together and dining at restaurants in Mayfair, Jonathan Ross was a familiar presence alongside David Walliams and Russell Brand at the height of their fame.

Published: 12:31 GMT, 11 November 2026 | Updated: 13:44 GMT, 11 November 2026

Partying at VIP events together and dining at restaurants in Mayfair, Jonathan Ross was a familiar presence alongside David Walliams and Russell Brand at the height of their fame.

What began with a series of joint television appearances soon developed into friendships that extended beyond the screen, with Ross repeatedly finding himself at the centre of controversy over disturbing 'jokes' and lewd behaviour.

Walliams and Brand were also regularly invited as guests onto The Jonathan Ross Show, where they spoke candidly about their private and professional lives.

Last night, Ross said he was 'horrified' by allegations of sexual misconduct against Walliams and Brand's rape conviction.

Brand was sentenced to more than ten years in prison on Monday after he was convicted of rape and three counts of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court.

Meanwhile, Walliams has been accused of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl and preying on multiple teenagers in an investigation by The Guardian and ITV.

Walliams denies the allegations and has not been charged with any offences.

In a statement issued after footage resurfaced of him joking about 15-year-olds 'going home with David Walliams', Ross said that while he had once been 'on friendly terms with both men', he was 'genuinely unaware of their conduct' at the time.

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