Russell Brand shares new picture embracing Bear Grylls during River Thames baptism

Russell Brand has shared a picture of him being hugged by Bear Grylls after getting baptised in the River Thames.

The controversial comedian, 48, previously shared a video online detailing how Grylls was one of two men who “flanked him” during the ceremony where he lives in Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire last Thursday.

The Essex-born star said he viewed being baptised as an “opportunity to leave the past behind”, less than a year after Brand was accused of rape and sexual assault by several women during the height of his fame between 2006 and 2013 – which he has strongly denied.

The accusations first surfaced in a joint investigation by the Times, the Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches.

Brand, who starred in films including Forgetting Sarah Marshall and Get Him To The Greek, told Fox News host Tucker Carlson that the allegations were “very hurtful”, adding: “I deny any allegations of the kind that have been advanced.”

On Wednesday, Brand took to Instagram to share the latest image from his big day, which also features a third man embracing him in the water.

He captioned the snap: “Me, Bear Grylls, The River Thames and of course, The Holy Spirit.”

Survival expert Grylls – who is a devout Christian – previously opened up about being involved in Brand’s baptism to the Daily Mail, calling it a “privilege” after the comedian’s “tough time”.

“Faith and spiritual moments in our lives are really personal,” he told the publication.

“But it is a privilege to stand beside anyone when they express a humble need for forgiveness and strength from above.

“Friendships when we go through tough times are worth so much,” he added.