Inmates at HMP Wandsworth have reacted to the arrival of British comedian Russell Brand, with some reportedly shouting his name and banging on their cell doors.

A member of staff at the South London prison told the BBC that Brand’s arrival had generated “much excitement” among inmates, although some had also expressed anger over his convictions.

The staff member said prison authorities were aware of the reactions, particularly the hostility directed at Brand over the offences for which he was convicted.

Brand, 51, was sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison on Monday after being found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. He has been held at Wandsworth for about a week.

A source close to the comedian told the BBC that he was doing “remarkably well considering the circumstances” and had been moved from isolation to a main wing of the prison.

Meanwhile, Chris Atkins, a former inmate who served eight months at the facility for tax fraud, described Wandsworth as “hell on earth”, saying the first month in prison was particularly difficult because of the psychological impact of confinement and limited human interaction.