Comedian Russell Brand gets baptised in the River Thames

The 48-year-old previously said the baptism was an ‘opportunity to leave the past behind and be reborn in Christ’s name.’

It comes seven months after he was accused of several serious crimes such as rape and sexual assault by several women during the height of his fame between 2006 and 2013.

The comic and actor used to live in Marlow (Image: PA)

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

He strongly denies any wrongdoing.

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

Following this, Brand explained how his former drug use left his desire for ‘tranquillity and peace and even transcendence’ unfulfilled.

In a video that has recently been published on social media, he said: “I got baptised and it was an incredible, profound experience.

“Something occurred in the process of baptism, that was incredible, overwhelming, literally overwhelming because I was obviously underwater, and it was the River Thames, at some points.

“So, I felt change transitioned.

“Now of course, even though it’s been less than 24 hours in the interim period, I’ve already felt irritation, I’ve got three children, I’ve got a job, I’ve got challenges, I still live in the world.

“But I feel as if some new resource within me has switched on.”

Brand said there were ‘incredible and bizarre incidents’ that took place during the ceremony, which felt ‘serendipitous and laden.’

He continued: “I already feel incredibly blessed, relieved, nourished, held.

“It’s been an incredible experience.

“I know that I’m not expected to be perfect, and I know that that’s not something I’ll be able to deliver – those of you who have embraced me, I’m so grateful.

“I can’t tell you how happy I feel and how relieved I feel.”