Britney Spears will open the MTV Video Music Awards this Sunday, one year after her original comeback.

She is returning to kick off the 25th anniversary of the VMAs, which Russell Brand will be presenting, in the hope that she will wipe out memories of last year’s disappointing performance where she performed single Gimme More.

This year, the pop princess will open the ceremony with a heartfelt message to her fans.

But Britney will not be performing and will instead do something “fun and unexpected”.

Britney said: “MTV has long played an important role in my career. How can I not be there to kick off their 25th VMAs?

“I'm excited to open the entire show, to say hi to my fans and to be nominated.”

MTV Networks Music Group president Van Toffler added: “It feels like it's her year. It's our 25th anniversary of the VMAs and she's been such a critical piece of MTV's history.”

Britney, 26, who is nominated for three awards, including video of the year for her single Piece Of Me, has recently turned her life around with regular trips to the gym and a new healthy lifestyle.