Britney Spears' TV return

Apr 29, 2008, 10:45 GMT

Lee Roth / RothStock / PR Photos

Britney Spears is set to return to hit US TV show 'How I Met Your Mother' on May 12.

The troubled singer will reprise her role as geeky receptionist Abby in the CBS sitcom - a character described as "sweet, friendly, scattered and a little nerdy" - after her successful guest appearance on the show last month.

Craig Thomas, executive producer and co-creator of the show, confirmed: "We're all so thrilled to have Britney joining us once again. And just to head it off at the pass this time around, 'Yes, mom, Britney's very nice and no, I can't get her autograph for you.' "

Production on the episode - which sees Abby and Barney, played by Neil Patrick Harris, start a relationship to annoy the show's main character Ted, played by Josh Radnor - began yesterday (28.04.08).

Following Britney's appearance on the show on March 24 - which earned the sitcom its highest ratings in the 18 to 49 age group since it first aired in 2005 - Harris revealed he hoped the 26-year-old 'Toxic' star would reprise her role.

He said: "Britney did a great job on the show. She really did. In fact, we are all hoping that she returns rather soon to reprise her role as Abby."

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