ALICIA SILVERSTONE ON BRITNEY SPEARS

Alicia Silverstone

Hollywood star Alicia Silverstone is denying reports she pulled out of a role in the CBS sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" after learning she'd be appearing opposite toxic Britney Spears.Spears plays a receptionist in an upcoming episode of the show, and insiders claim her boss was supposed to be Silverstone. But Silverstone's publicist Elizabeth Much insists the actress' links to the TV show ended long before Spears' name was even mentioned. She explains, "Alicia was in discussions to do the show but the deal never went through. This happens all of the time in Hollywood. It had nothing to do with Britney." Spears will play a secretary to actor Josh Radner's character Ted when the episode airs later this year.