or is it just me that sees the similarity?

I always think Jo Brand is John Sargeant in drag

I agree that in looks and mannerisms there are a lot of similarities and I must admit even before your post JK I've had similar thoughts.

I do think that George Melly was very underestimated, perhaps because he had so many talents and characteristics - Singer, Author, Raconteur, Lech, Gay/Straight, Drunkard, Satirist, Surrealist, Comic, Critic, Music Historian etc etc.

In the early 70's I saw George at The Reading festival and Ronnie Scott's a couple of months apart. The sets were similar but George dealt with the audiences differently and had both in the palm of his hand from the moment he appeared on stage.

A couple of months ago I saw a documentary (I assume it was a repeat) were a TV crew followed him and his wife during the last year of his life. It was one of the saddest things I've seen for some time and another example of an artist who was taking risks up to his last breath.