Britney offered lead in West End play

Britney Spears has reportedly been offered the lead in a West End play following her cameo on US sitcom How I Met Your Mother.

Producers want the singer to play Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire after her guest spot in the CBS show was praised by critics.

A source told the Daily Star: "Britney's been on the list for this for some time but until recently was considered too risky. Her appearance on How I Met Your Mother' changed all that. She had poise, timing and a real flair.

"She may be a bit too young for the role but she is perfect to embody the tragic spirit of Blanche, who uses alcohol to mask her pain."

Vivien Leigh won an Oscar for her portrayal of the neurotic Southern belle in the 1951 film version of Tennessee Williams's play.

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