Instead of singing and dancing her way through the MTV Video Music Awards, Toxic star Britney Spears is expected to kick the night off.

Britney's 2007 MTV appearance was universally panned with audiences calling for her to cover up her skimpy outfit.

Just 12 months later television bosses are promising something fun and unexpected at the annual prizegiving where she will open the show.

This year, she has also been nominated for three prizes and has appeared in an advert for the big bash with host Russell Brand.

The awards are being held on September 7 at the Paramount Studios in Hollywood.

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