Melanie Sykes praises Russell Brand for helping her through sobriety and depression

Melanie Sykes has shared her joy at finally getting to meet comedian Russell Brand, who she credits with helping her through sobriety and depression. The 52-year-old TV and radio presenter from Mossley says the comic, who has also been open about his sobriety journey, says he has helped her with his Instagram posts and books.

The mum-of-two shared a photo of the pair sharing an embrace as she met Russell, who celebrated 19 years clean and sober in December, at his show at Beck Theatre in Hayes, Middlesex. She wrote about the moment on her social media: "Last night I finally got to meet and say thank you to this magnificent person who has helped me with his messaging, on here and everywhere for many years."

The former Boddingtons girl and Big Breakfast presenter previously branded alcohol 'toxic bull****'. In May she celebrated five years sober.

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She explained: "His books helped me through the beginning of my sobriety and through the depths of depression. He has always spoken my language, with regard to his thoughts of the world and his take on simply being human.

"Oh and he makes me laugh like no other. I am grateful and full of admiration for him. In short I love him. #russellbrand @becktheatre #gratitude."

Melanie, who last year was diagnosed with autism which affects the way people with the condition communicate and interact, marked the fifth anniversary of her sobriety on May 1. She told her followers in a raw and honest Instagram video: "It's a massive achievement for me. And it's been a really interesting journey."

She told how she had previously had a spell of seven years sober and then 18 months 'here and there'. But now