Russell Brand never wavered from drug abstinence during his split from Katy Perry, his counsellor Chip Somers has revealed.

The 40-year-old actor beat his drug and alcohol addictions in 2002, and rehab expert Chip has revealed Russell's ''tremendous commitment'' to staying sober means he has never been tempted back to illegal substances.

When asked if he is still working with the comedian, he exclusively told BANG Showbiz: ''Yes, very much so. And he's made a tremendous commitment to his recovery programme, and there for example is a classic example of someone who has grown in recovery. When he first left treatment he had all of the normal traits of lack of confidence and shyness that many addicts have when they first get clean, and he's had to go through all that very publicly, and that makes it much harder.''

Chip - who is the founder of abstinence-based clinic, Focus12 - also revealed Russell has since overcome hurdles in his personal life without drugs, revealing he asked for help when his 14-month marriage to Katy Perry came to an end in December 2011 instead of returning to narcotics.

Questioned on whether Russell relapsed after his split, Chip explained: ''No, not at all. He dealt with it in exactly the way he should have done which is to recognise that something difficult is going on and seek the appropriate help, and to learn how to deal with it.

''Often dealing with normal life problems is that little bit harder for people in recovery because they don't have the everyday escape of alcohol, or if you like smoking dope or something like that, that people who are not in recovery do have.''

On Wednesday (24.06.15) the 'Life & Soul' event is being held

at Porchester Hall in London in honour of Chip - who has also worked with Davina Mccall and Boy George to help them overcome their substance abuse issues.

Van Morrison will be performing at the event, while Ed Sheeran and Bono have donated auction prizes to show their support for the event and Chip's life work.

Visit www.thegigcompany.org/events/focus12/ for tickets and information.