Russell Brand has stopped making religious jokes because they upset his wife Katy Perry.

The 'Firework' singer - who married the British comedian in India last year - is the daughter of Christian ministers Keith and Mary Hudson and says her spouse is now respectful of her faith in his humour.

She said: "Russell has made very blasphemous jokes in the past, but he's making fewer all the time because he knows that I am very sensitive about this subject."

Katy, 26, also criticised Madonna for staging a mock crucifixion on stage for her 'Confessions' world tour in 2006 and admitted she can't understand why it seems to be acceptable to poke fun at Christianity.

She added: "You can be frivolous and fun without needing to get involved in that. And I don't know why that only happens to the Christian religion. I don't see people simulating sex with statues of Buddha, for example.

"For me, spirituality is something very important and I don't like it when people take it lightly. At times, I don't understand why there are artists who play that card, like when Madonna gets up on a cross to sing."