By Simon Cable
Close call: Katy and Russell almost hit a fellow sledge rider as they whizz down the hill
It seems that wherever Russell Brand goes, trouble is never far away.
And so it proved when the comedian took part in a spot of sledging yesterday with his new girlfriend, US singer Katy Perry.
The seemingly innocent pursuit almost turned into a disaster for the pair after they skidded down a steep hill only narrowly managing to avoid a high-speed collision with a school child.
It's a scream: Singer Perry can't hide her excitement as the couple plummet down the snow-covered hill
The pair had braved the icy conditions yesterday morning to take a walk on Hampstead Heath, near to the 34-year-old star's home in north London.
Both wearing oversized sunglasses - despite the lack of sunshine - they were spotted by a group of children who offered to let the couple use their sledge.
As they sat, with Katy comfortably in Russell's lap, the children helped to push the couple down the slope.
Don't look down: Katy covers her face as the couple's borrowed sledge heads towards the bottom of the hill
Sister sledge: The couple zip towards the bottom of the hill - their day had started out as a simple romantic stroll in the north London park
Miss Perry, 25, briefly covered her eyes before screaming out as they gathered speed. Thankfully, the startled youngster spotted them and darted out of the way as they sped down the hill.
The singer flew over from the US on Friday to spend Christmas in London with Brand, 34, who this time last year was still dealing with the fall-out from the Sachsgate scandal.
He was forced to resign from his job as a presenter for Radio 2 after leaving a series of lewd messages on the answering machine of Fawlty Towers star, Andrew Sachs.
Ice time: Comedian Russell pulls the sledge from between his legs in a typically suggestive manner
Kissmas: The couple smooch during their walk in the romantic setting of Hampstead Heath where most of the park is still covered with snow
During her trip, the couple have visited the East End for a shopping trip and went to watch Brand's football team, West Ham, at the weekend.
Despite dating for less than four months, Brand has fuelled speculation that they will marry after he was spotted buying a diamond engagement ring at a jewellers in London earlier this month.
Only recently he said: 'I'd love to marry Katy - hopefully it's heading that way and I'm really happy.'
Earlier this month, the couple visited Austria with Perry's parents - who are both born-again Christians.
Her father was said to be wary about Brand after reading his autobiography, in which he reveals all about his past addictions to drugs, prostitutes and sex.
Festive cheer: Russell waves to the children after dismounting from the sledge he and lover Katy Perry borrowed from them
Later on the pair headed out to central London and attended a carol service at St Paul's Cathedral
source: dailymail
Close call: Katy and Russell almost hit a fellow sledge rider as they whizz down the hill 
It's a scream: Singer Perry can't hide her excitement as the couple plummet down the snow-covered hill 
Don't look down: Katy covers her face as the couple's borrowed sledge heads towards the bottom of the hill
Sister sledge: The couple zip towards the bottom of the hill - their day had started out as a simple romantic stroll in the north London park
Ice time: Comedian Russell pulls the sledge from between his legs in a typically suggestive manner
Kissmas: The couple smooch during their walk in the romantic setting of Hampstead Heath where most of the park is still covered with snow
Festive cheer: Russell waves to the children after dismounting from the sledge he and lover Katy Perry borrowed from them
Later on the pair headed out to central London and attended a carol service at St Paul's Cathedral
