As the host of last year's MTV Video Music Awards, relatively unknown British comedian Russell Brand made quite an impact on an American audience that wasn't familiar with his controversial sense of humour.
Viewers were left shocked by his risqué jokes about the teen pop siblings, the Jonas Brothers' pledge to abstain from pre-marital sex.
The Forgetting Sarah Marshall star also made gags about President George W Bush. But, featuring as it did a sensational comeback appearance from Britney Spears, the show pulled in a record number of viewers.
And so Russell has been invited back to front this year's awards ceremony which will take place on September 13 in New York. "I feel enlightened and excited," said the big-haired comic, promising to be on his best behaviour this time.
"I'm feeling a series of joyful twitches and spasms beginning at the tips of my tiny toes and travelling up in glorious ways throughout my body as I begin to accept that I am the MTV VMA host again. This year will be a controversy-free festival of love and discreet orgasms," he added.
Russell will not be the only Brit taking to the stage in front of the star-studded crowd in the autumn. Popular rock band Muse will be performing for the very first time on American TV at the 26th annual VMAs. And the night will also be a first for US country singer Taylor Swift who will be making her debut at the ceremony.
"We are thrilled that despite numerous death threats from Jonas Brothers fans, Russell Brand has accepted our offer to put his life on the line and host the VMAs again this year," quipped MTV manager Stephen Friedman.
