Vegas salutes Russell Crowe’s passion for rugby league

Jennifer Saunders, David Walliams, Graham Norton, Cheryl Fernandez-Versini, Jack Dee and Johnny Vegas during filming of the Graham Norton Show

JOHNNY Vegas appears on this week’s Graham Norton Show - and salutes Russell Crowe’s attendance at the World Club Challenge.

The Hollywood icon turned down the chance to present an award at the Oscars in Los Angeles to instead watch his Souths side beat Saints 39-0 last month.

St Helens comic Vegas will be seen on the hit BBC show this Friday night wearing a T-shirt emblazoned with the words: “The Oscars? Nah, I’d rather be in St Helens” - Russell Crowe.

Gladiator star Crowe has used appearances on TV talk-shows to promote rugby league and his Rabbitohs - coached by ex-Wigan boss Michael Maguire - and Vegas has now followed suit.

He was joined on the sofa by Cheryl Fernandez-Versini (formerly Cole), Jennifer Saunders, David Walliams and Jack Dee for a special Comic Relief edition, to be screened on Friday night.