After initial controversy over first show, CBS hopes Spears’ second appearance will again boost ratings on “Mother”

By Matthew B. Zeidman

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 4/29/08 – One million extra viewers tuned in to see Britney Spears play a lovelorn secretary in the March 24 episode of “How I Met Your Mother” on CBS, and now, after a month of consideration, the pop starlet has decided to return to the sitcom.

Executive producer Craig Thomas expressed his excitement at Spears’ return, declaring in a statement that he and the rest of the show’s staff were “all so thrilled to have Britney joining us once again.”

The installment in question is scheduled to be filmed this week and will air on Monday, May 12. According to CBS, the plot will involve Spears’ character, Abby, teaming up with Neil Patrick Harris’ character, Barney, to exact revenge on Ted, played by Josh Radnor.

In the first episode featuring the 26-year-old “Toxic” singer, Abby became attracted to Ted when he visited her office to have a tattoo removed, but he spurned her advances in favor of her attractive boss, a dermatologist portrayed by “Scrubs” actress Sarah Chalke.

Shortly after Spears’ first appearance on the program, the Associated Press reported that Harris was unhappy with the decision to allow the entertainer to join the cast and that he considered such “stunt casting” a detriment to the show. He quickly clarified his intent, telling “Entertainment Weekly” that his remarks were in no way critical of Spears, who “did a great job,” and that he would welcome her return.