Silverstone pulls out of sitcom over Spears

Alicia Silverstone has reportedly pulled out of a guest spot on US sitcom How I Met Your Mother after learning that she would be starring opposite Britney Spears.

A CBS spokesperson confirmed yesterday that the singer will appear in an upcoming episode of the show.

According to E! Online, Silverstone decided to withdraw because she felt having Spears on the set would be too "chaotic".

However, sources said she is a fan of the programme and would still like to star in a future episode.

Scrubs actress Sarah Chalke is being lined up to take over as Stella, a doctor who catches the eye of main character Ted (Josh Radnor). Spears will play Stella's receptionist Abby.