Russell Brand phones Obama

Monday, 20 April 2009

Noel Gallagher and Russell Brand phoned US President Barack Obama to quiz him about soccer.

The pair made a call to the American leader during their radio show on British station talkSPORT, which aired last night (19.04.09), to discover if Obama's confession he is a fan of English Premier League team West Ham United is true.

Russell - who supports the East London club - phoned the White House, and when he didn't get through left a voicemail message.

Referring to West Ham's stadium and manager, the controversial star said: "Dear Barack Obama, we are calling you to find out if you are in fact the world's most famous West Ham supporter as it is claimed. I haven't ever seen you at Upton Park, and what formation do you suggest Gianfranco Zola plays?"

Afterwards a nervous Noel said: "This answer phone message better not jeopardise my American visa situation."

The show was Russell's first radio appearance since he resigned from his BBC Radio 2 slot - on which the Oasis guitarist was a regular guest - following a row over lewd phone calls made to 79-year-old actor Andrew Sachs last October.

In the calls, Russell and British presenter Jonathan Ross - who was suspended for three months from the BBC for his part in the prank - revealed Russell had bedded Sachs' granddaughter Georgina Baillie.

During his radio return, Russell telephoned Jonathan to ask if he wanted to be interviewed on air.

A highly amused Noel said of the pair: "This is two people who haven't learnt their lesson."