Network bosses deny Britney 'saved' sitcom

Network executives for US sitcom 'How I Met Your Mother' have slammed reports Britney Spears' guest role on their show saved it from being canned.

Spears was snubbed for her stint on the show earlier this month when she was left off the top 10 list of Emmy semifinalists in the Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series category.

Though show ratings soared when the pop star played a ditzy secretary in two recent episodes, CBS bosses insist it was not Spears who saved the show.

Network entertainment president Nina Tassler explains: "It ('How I Met Your Mother') was never in danger; we just took a while to make the announcement (of its renewal)."

Chiefs at Spears' record label JIVE were rumoured to be questioning her dedication to her comeback album when reports surfaced on Friday that the 'Toxic' star was more interested in focusing on her acting career.

CBS heads have not confirmed Spears will be making another return to the show.