Britney: William stood me up

Spears has been promoting new single Overprotected

Pop star Britney Spears has told comedian Frank Skinner in a pre-recorded interview that she was "stood up" by Prince William after arranging a date via e-mail.

The singer admitted during an interview for ITV1's Frank Skinner Show that she and the prince had corresponded but had never actually met.

She said she had invited him over to visit her and perhaps go for a meal but the meeting never went ahead.

Frank Skinner dueted with the star

Britney, who is in a long-term relationship with pop group 'NSync's Justin Timberlake, was in the UK to promote her new single Overprotected.

It was widely regarded as a coup for Frank Skinner when he landed the 20-year-old star for his show.

During the show, he asked if Spears and Prince William had become "quite friendly".

She replied: "We exchanged e-mails for a little bit and he was supposed to come and see me somewhere but it didn't work out - so that was it, so, and then everyone was like 'oh she met him', and nothing ever happened."

Skinner added: "You were blown out by Prince William?". She said: "Yeah."

Buckingham Palace had previously denied Prince William knew Britney

The chat show host then pushed it further by suggesting she should pursue his brother, Prince Harry, because "he's much more fun".

Skinner and Spears ended the interview with a duet, singing the Sonny and Cher classic I Got You Babe.

The Frank Skinner Show featuring Britney Spears is broadcast on ITV1 on Saturday 26 January at 2135 GMT.