Russell Brand has been the toast of this year's Royal Variety Performance, with his usual string of risqué jokes.

His controversial humour stunned the audience when he made comments about wanting to date the Queen's granddaughter Zara Phillips.

The 32-year-old said: "I have been thinking an awful lot about Zara recently, no, just wondering if she's single.

"Nah, there would be a courtship... then a court martial."

He also said that he'd be nervous to meet the Queen, but would say: "Are you aware I'm shagger of the year?"

Other performers on the night included Seal, Bon Jovi and opera singer Paul Potts. The show will be screened on December 9 at 8pm on ITV1.

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