Spears Scares Away Silverstone

Like many ratings-troubled shows before it, How I Met Your Mother is going down the guest-star route. As we previously reported, Britney Spears is set to make a guest appearance in this season’s 14th episode as a Dermatologist’s assistant. While I am of the opinion that anything that gets this “on the bubble” sitcom ratings is a good idea, not everyone agrees with me. Alicia Silverstone, who had signed on to play the Dermatologist, has backed out after news of Spears’ appearance broke.

Silverstone was not only supposed to appear in up to four episodes of HIMYM, but she was also rumored to be the “woman with the yellow umbrella,” AKA the show’s titular “Mother.” According to TV Guide’s Ausiello Report, Silverstone reportedly shied away from the role, fearing that the Spears crazy-train would overshadow her.

Luckily, Scrubs star Sarah Chalke seems to have no such qualms. “The other Becky” is reportedly taking Silverstone’s place, but for only one episode instead of the four that were originally planned. With the smaller role go the chances that we’ll be meeting the Mother that episode. However, HIMYM producers are said to be creating another role for Silverstone, so the possibility that Ted’s wife got her start in Aerosmith videos remains alive and well.