Ed Balls was on spectacular form on BBC Politics earlier today.

Asked by Emily Maitlis what he made of Russell Brand labelling him a “clicky-wristed snidey c***” during his unshockingly controversial appearance on Channel 4’s Big Fat Anniversary Quiz, the Shadow Chancellor replied.

“I wasn’t quite sure what it meant, to be honest, Emily.”“I suppose he’s quite funny sometimes. I think that Jo Brand is a rather better political commentator. I suppose you could call him a pound shop Ben Elton.”

“But that doesn’t mean he’s not sometimes funny,” he hastily added.

Emphasis on the “sometimes”.

Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips Show all 19 1 /19 Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On puberty: “By puberty I learned that nothing worth having could be easily attained and to succeed one must be single minded." PA Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On changing the world: “I want to change the world, and do something valuable and beautiful. I want people to remember me before I'm dead, and then more afterwards.” Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On being strong: "Strength does not have to be belligerent and loud." Getty Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On grammar: “I couldn't possibly have sex with someone with such a slender grasp on grammar!” Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On manners in England: "In England we have such good manners that if someone says something impolite, the police will get involved." Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On junkie v vegetarian: “Even as a junkie I stayed true [to vegetarianism] - 'I shall have heroin, but I shan't have a hamburger.' What a sexy little paradox.” Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On the future: “People don't realize that the future is just now, but later.” Rex Features Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On sex addiction: “Boggle with sex addicts is up there with go-kart racing with junkies.” Reuters Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On life: “My life is just a series of embarrassing incidents strung together by telling people about those embarrassing incidents.” Frazer Harrison/Getty Images Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On happiness: "If you want to be happy stop being so self-obsessed and start considering other people." Getty Images Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On drug addiction: “The mentality and behavior of drug addicts and alcoholics is wholly irrational until you understand that they are completely powerless over their addiction and unless they have structured help, they have no hope.” Getty Images Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On sitcoms: "I do have a regard for the musicality of language that came from BBC sitcoms like Fawlty Towers." Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On life motivation: "That's what keeps me alive, perversion and star quality.” Getty Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On love: “When you fall in love you recognise you're not the most important person in the world, and your focus becomes another person.” Getty Images Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On threesomes: “I like threesomes with two women, not because I'm a cynical sexual predator. Oh no! But because I'm a romantic. I'm looking for "The One." And I'll find her more quickly if I audition two at a time.” Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On Conservatives: "Conservatism appeals to our selfishness and fear, our designer and self-interest." PA Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On surfing: “Surfing should be called "foam-choking" or "sea stabbing.” Getty Images Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On Demi Moore: "I've not made love to her yet, but it's a matter of time." STEVE MORGAN/AFP/Getty Images Russell Brand's Most Controversial Quips On success: "When I was growing up, I thought I'd be a lot happier if I was famous and successful and if I had money." Getty Images