Noel Fielding is "horrified and deeply disturbed to learn of Russell Brand's crimes".

The Great British Bake Off star had a high profile friendship with Brand and frequently worked with him after first meeting at the NME Awards in the early 2000s, but following Brand's conviction for rape and sexual assault, Noel has insisted their friendship was exaggerated for "the cameras".

The pair frequently collaborated on comedy sketches, including appearances on The Big Fat Quiz of the Year. Noel also appeared on Brand's BBC Radio 2 show.

He told The Sun in a statement: "I was horrified and deeply disturbed to learn of Russell Brand's crimes, which I was completely unaware of until they became public knowledge. My thoughts are with the women whose courage brought him to justice.

"I appeared on TV, radio and live charity shows with him, and whilst we played it up for the cameras and in the media, I considered it a professional relationship, rather than a personal one. I have had no contact with him for many years.

"Looking back at some of the jokes I made alongside him I was appalled. They were horrible and inappropriate, and I very much regret them."

Russell Brand was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison this week, after a jury found him guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault against four women between 2004 and 2009.

The jury acquitted Brand on two more rape charges, as well as one count of attempted indecent assault.

He remains under investigation over two further allegations of rape.

The comedian-and-actor must serve two-thirds of his total sentence before being eligible for parole. He will be on the sex offenders' register for life.

The Forgetting Sarah Marshall star was described as a "dangerous offender" by police - who hailed the bravery of victims in speaking out - following his sentencing at Southwark Crown Court.

Det Supt Andy Furphy of the Metropolitan Police said in a statement outside court: "From the very beginning, our investigation was never about Russell Brand's profile, status or celebrity. Our focus has always been on the women who reported these offences and on conducting a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegations they made.

"I am incredibly proud of the investigation team, who worked tirelessly to gather evidence, pursue every available line of enquiry and support the victims throughout the process.

"Working closely with colleagues from the Crown Prosecution Service, they built a case that has ultimately resulted in a dangerous offender being brought to justice."