Britney Spears to make new apperance in sitcom

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

Her first appearance as the character Abby on the CBS garnered ratings of almost three million 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, reports BBC News.

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."

Co-creator Craig Thomas said: "We're all so thrilled to have Britney joining us once again."

Spears said working on the show was "terrific", and received mostly positive reviews for the role.

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