Russell Brand has a blast with new hobby

Russell Brand is having a blast with his new hobby - the funnyman has fallen in love with firing guns at a shooting range.

The Rock of Ages star admits he feels like Western movie icon John Wayne with his pistol antics, and has even purchased his own firearm.

However, not everyone is enamoured with his new pastime - his mother Barbara is begging him to give it up.

He says, "I've been learning to fire guns. My mother said, 'Don't learn to fire guns, Russell.' Well, I've learnt and now I've got one. I mean, me, own a gun? I shouldn't really have access to hair gel but I can fire a gun if I need to.

"To be honest, guns are fun. When I was learning I was firing all over the place - obviously not at people but I was hitting all these targets. I felt like John Wayne."