Russell Brand in isolation at London prison for safety reasons

Russell Brand has been separated from other inmates at HMP Wandsworth in London, where he is serving a ten-and-a-half-year sentence, due to safety concerns. The former comedian was convicted on 5 November and transferred to the prison, which has struggled with overcrowding and poor conditions.

According to reports, Brand has been placed in the facility's Care and Separation Unit, known informally as "the Block". This unit is used to temporarily hold prisoners who need to be kept apart from the general population for security or other reasons. The decision is reportedly based on assessments that his fame and the nature of his offences could make him a target.

He is currently being held alone in a cell, with prison staff carrying out regular checks. As part of the standard admission process, he underwent a health assessment, handed in his civilian clothes, passed a security check and was given a prison uniform. He also received a basic hygiene pack containing items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste and toilet paper, along with a few basic food items. Reports say he was allowed one short phone call and was under increased supervision during his first hours.

Other prisoners have already given Brand a nickname – "Russell from the Block" – a play on Jennifer Lopez's hit "Jenny from the Block", referencing the unit's informal name. There have been unconfirmed claims that inmates have shouted insults and songs at him.

It is not yet known how long Brand will remain at HMP Wandsworth. British media suggest he could be moved to another institution after a few weeks, depending on safety assessments and his long-term placement plan.