Russell Brand has been named one of the Breakout Stars of 2008

The controversial comic star Russell Brand - who recently quit his BBC Radio 2 show following the scandal which saw him phoning former 'Fawlty Towers' actor Andrew Sachs and leaving a vulgar message - has made it onto the list compiled by America's Entertainment Weekly magazine.

Explaining their decision to include the star in the list, the publication wrote: "Best known for playing the girlfriend-snatching rock god Aldous Snow in 'Forgetting Sarah Marshall' and for hosting this year's MTV Video Music Awards, the British comedian is a refreshing, rakish alternative to his shlubby American counterparts.

"Though he recently quit his BBC radio show after his lewd on-air prank calls provoked outrage, the 33-year-old is keeping busy filming the Marshall spin-off, 'Get Him to the Greek'."

British singer Estelle also features in the list, after finding success in America with her musical collaboration with Kanye West on 'American Boy'.

Other stars to appear on the list include 'Camp Rock' beauty Demi Lovato, 'Twilight' heartthrob Robert Pattinson and 'The Secret Life of Bees' actor Tristan Wilds.