Russell Brand has quit his show on BBC Radio 2 amid controversy over phone messages he and Jonathan Ross left for the actor Andrew Sachs.
The messages, broadcast on a pre-recorded BBC Radio 2 show, included boasts from Brand about his relationship with Sachs' granddaughter Georgina Baillie and comments from the duo that Sachs might kill himself as a result of the revelation.
Brand and Ross began making the calls after they were unable to contact Sachs for a pre-arranged interview.
In a statement, Brand said: "I have apologised to Andrew Sachs for the rude messages I left on October 18 and he has graciously accepted.
"As I only do the radio show to make people laugh I've decided that given the subsequent coverage I will stop doing the show."
Later in the statement, Brand said: "I got a bit caught up in the moment and forgot that at the core of the rude comments and silly songs were the real feelings of a beloved and brilliant comic actor and a very sweet and big hearted young woman.
"Apologies are also owed to the loyal listeners of the show who enjoyed its shambolic spirit and anarchy and will be upset that it cannot continue.
"I take complete responsibility and offer nothing but love and contrition and I hope that now Jonathan (Ross) and the BBC will endure less forensic wrath.
"Hare Krishna."
Earlier today all of Brand and Ross' shows were taken off air by the BBC until a full investigation could be completed; the BBC has reportedly received more than 18,000 complaints about the broadcast.
Twenty-three-year-old Baillie also called for Brand and Ross to be sacked by the BBC.
In a statement about the matter, BBC Director General Mark Thompson had said: "I would like to add my own personal and unreserved apology to Andrew Sachs, his family and to licence fee payers for the completely unacceptable broadcast on BBC Radio 2.
"It is clear from the views expressed by the public that this broadcast has caused severe offence and I share that view.
"I have decided that it is not appropriate for either Russell Brand or Jonathan Ross to continue broadcasting on the BBC until I have seen the full report of the actions of all concerned."
