It was the on-stage smooch that sent gasps around the world and sent the media and music industry into a frenzy.

Repeating history? no snogging this time though

But there was to be no repeat of that infamous kiss between Madonna and Britney last night as they performed together again.

How do you do? Madonna kisses Britney on the hand (left) and performs with Justin Timberlake (right)

In front of a star-studded aud i enc e tha t inc lude d Jennifer Lopez, Heidi Klum and Kate Moss, Spears, 26, joined the 50-year-old Material Girl on stage for the Los Angeles leg of her Sticky And Sweet tour at the Dodgers Stadium. Britney has already made an appearance on the tour but in video form, when she shot a short film - which was played as a backdrop for part of the multi-million-pound show. This time she stood alongside her ageing idol while performing Human Nature.

Later in the show Madge shared the stage with Britney's former sweetheart Justin Timberlake, 27, as they performed their single 4 Minutes. Ironically, it was Justin's shocked face as Britney and Madge kissed that was the highlight of 2003's MTV Video Music Awards.

Sadly, there was no fairytale reunion for Britney and Justin - Britney had made a hasty exit from the stadium before Justin's performance began.