TV adventurer Bear Grylls is stepping down from his role as Chief Scout weeks after helping to baptise Russell Brand in the River Thames.

In a statement, the host of Running Wild with Bear Grylls said he would step down in September following an “incredible” 15 years as chief of the UK organisation.

He took up the role in 2020 and said he would continue to act as Chief Scout for at least three years.

It comes weeks after Grylls helped controversial Henley-based comedian Russell Brand convert from Buddhism to Christianity through a baptism ceremony in the River Thames.

In a video uploaded to social media in April, Brand described the ceremony as a “profound experience” and an “opportunity to leave the past behind and be born in Christ’s name”.

Adding: “I want to thank Bear Grylls and my mate Joe, the two men that stood either side of me and flanked me for the baptism.”

Brand was accused of rape and sexual office by several women between 2006 and 2013 following a joint investigation by the Times, the Sunday Times and Channel 4’s Dispatches last September.

The 48-year-old has strongly denied the allegations and told Fox News host Tucker Carlson that they were “very hurtful”.