FUNNYMAN Russell Brand was back home in Grays filming scenes for a documentary, with award-winning director Ondi Timoner.

The comic, 38, even dropped into his old Grays school, now called the Hathaway Academy.

Headteacher James Howarth described the visit as “intense, exciting and scary”.

He said: “He wanted a look around and even dropped into a drama lesson for 20 minutes.

“He then gave them really fantastic analysis and feedback, then stepped on stage and gave a rendition from when he played Fat Sam here in a school production!”

The documentary, five years in the making, is about the search for happiness and its deeper meaning.

Brand has also filmed interviews with staff who were there in his time, Sarah Holland and Dianne McDonald.

Mr Howarth described him as “incredibly intelligent”.

He also confirmed the star would be back, but wouldn’t divulge any details.

He said: “He gave me a lot of time. His ethos is to do the best that he can for the kids of Grays.”