The production company Banijay UK has launched an internal investigation into the Russell Brand allegations of sexual misconduct.

The entertainment company owns the production company that produced Big Brother’s E4 sister show, Big Brother’s Big Mouth, which Brand fronted.

The statement released to Sky said: “In light of very serious allegations raised by The Sunday Times and Channel 4 Dispatches relating to the alleged serious misconduct of Russell Brand while presenting shows produced by Endemol in 2004 and 2005, Banijay UK has launched an urgent internal investigation and will cooperate with any request for information from broadcast partners and external agencies.

“We also encourage anyone who feels they were affected by Brand’s behavior while working on these productions to contact us in confidence.”

It follows Brand facing allegations of rape, sexual assault and emotional abuse during a seven-year period at the height of his fame. He strongly denies the claims.