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Here comes trouble: Russell Brand prepares to break America at MTV Video Awards

Last updated at 01:09am on 08.09.08

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With his trademark birds-nest hair and open-chested shirts Russell Brand is instantly recognisable in Britain. But in America he is mostly unknown, apart from a small part in Hollywood romcom Forgetting Sarah Marshall.

But all that will change when seven million expected viewers tune in to watch the MTV Video Music Awards.

The LA-based awards, which will begin at 5am British time, are being hosted by the British comedian - and are his chance to hit the big time.

Getting friendly: Ladies man Russell Brand charms pop princess Britney Spears

It is the first major US live TV appearance for the flamboyant and hedonistic 33-year-old Essex boy, who catapulted to fame in Britain after landing his own spin-off Big Brother show.

And Brand is being joined by Britney Spears, who has promised to 'surprise' viewers.

Last year her much-hyped comeback was mocked by critics, who criticised the troubled singer as being overweight, out-of-time and uninterested.

This year the 26-year-old insists she will not be singing, despite internet rumours to the contrary. Instead, she has promised something 'fun and unexpected'.