Britney to miss Smash Hits party

Britney "cannot accomodate" double booking

Britney Spears has pulled out of a high-profile UK appearance this weekend.

She was billed to sing at the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party at the London Arena in the city's Docklands.

But a double booking means the singer will be in the US instead.

Spears said: "I am really disappointed that I won't be there on Sunday. I had such a great time last year and was really looking forward to catching up with everyone backstage."

A spokesman for her said: "Britney has had a long-standing personal appointment in America which clashes with the Smash Hits Poll Winners' Party on Sunday.

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Disappointed fans will have to make do with performances from Westlife, Five, S Club 7 and All Saints.

Meanwhile Liam Gallagher and Robbie Williams are shortlisted for two Smash Hits poll honours.

Williams recently announced that their much publicised feud is over but they are both in the running for the Smash Hits Sad Loser and Least Fancied Person titles.

The competition is fierce.

They are up against Posh Spice Victoria Beckham, Boyzone star Stephen Gately and teen pop act Daphne & Celeste for the Sad Loser prize.

Ronan Keating, Melanie C and Ian "H" Watkins from chart group Steps make up the rest of the field for the Least Fancied Person category.

Williams is also up for worst male singer, although he is also in the running for best male singer.