Britney Spears' Russell TV commercial

Aug 11, 2008, 11:00 GMT

05/30/2008 - Russell Brand - Spike TV\'s 2nd Annual Guys Choice Awards - Arrivals - Sony Pictures Studios - Culver City, CA, USA © David Gabber / PR Photos

Britney Spears and Russell Brand have filmed an advert together for this year's MTV Video Music Awards.

The pair - who have both battled demons in the past, with Britney suffering a public breakdown and Russell overcoming a heroin addiction - are joined in the advert by a huge grey elephant which neither of them seem to notice.

The elephant's presence is a reference to the phrase 'The elephant in the room', which is used when someone pointedly ignores an embarrassing personal fact about their companion.

In the advert, British comedian Russell - who is hosting the awards - asks Britney for advice ahead of the ceremony, cheekily referring to her performance of 'Gimme More' at last year's event which was widely criticised.

Britney responds by pretending she has no idea who Russell is, calling him 'Russell Brown'.

Next, Russell conducts a mock-interview with the star, after which he concludes there is "sexual tension" between them.

Britney replied: "I didn't feel any tension."

The couple are also joined by rapper LL Cool J and rocker Pete Wentz in the clip, with LL Cool J calling the comedian 'Russell Bland'.

Russell has already told interviewers he is excited about the show, adding: "I'm planning to have lesbian kisses with Britney and Madonna individually. It's not going to be easy with my genitals, but God, I will try."

Britney is nominated for the Best Female award and Best Pop Video gong for 'Piece of Me' at the ceremony later this year.