Britney to reprise role in sitcom

Spears played ditzy receptionist Abby in the show

Britney Spears is to reprise her role as a doctor's receptionist on US sitcom How I met Your Mother.

The pop star's first appearance as bubbly secretary Abby on the CBS show pulled in almost 3m extra viewers when it was shown in March.

Spears will be seen pairing up with womanising character Barney to get even with his friend, Ted.

The episode is expected to be filmed this week and will be screened on 12 May in the US.

CBS described the episode, saying: "Desperate to get a rise out of his former pal Barney pops a surprising question to Abby."

"We're all so thrilled to have Britney joining us once again," co-creator Craig Thomas added.

Spears, who said working on the show was "terrific", received mostly positive reviews for the role and gave her a rare burst of upbeat headlines amid a torrent of highly publicised personal problems in recent years.

The cameo has sparked speculation that the pop star might branch out further into acting, following another successful guest turn in March 2006 on the NBC comedy Will & Grace.