Oops, she’s doing it again
Britney Spears is returning to television as a guest star on “Will & Grace.”
The pop singer will appear in the April 13 episode as a Christian conservative sidekick to Sean Hayes‘ talk-show-host character, Jack, contributing a cooking segment called “Cruci-fixin’s.”
Spears, 24, was a regular on “The Mickey Mouse Club” and starred in the critically panned 2002 film “Crossroads.”
She’s also appeared as herself on “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch” – and, of course, starred with hubby Kevin Federline in last summer’s unscripted UPN show “Britney & Kevin: Chaotic.”
Silverman screen
If you thought Dave Chappelle was raw, look out: In what will surely be a test of Comedy Central’s dedication to free speech, the cable channel has announced that it’s giving potty-mouth comedian Sarah Silverman her own series.
Comedy Central has ordered six episodes, tentatively scheduled to start this summer.
Short story
Martin Short will find his way to Broadway this summer in the story of his life – sort of.
A cheeky autobiographical musical called “Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me” will open Aug. 10 at a theater to be announced.
The 55-year-old comedian has appeared on Broadway in musicals such as “The Goodbye Girl” and a revival of “Little Me.” His next movie role is in “The Santa Clause 3” with Tim Allen.
Same old story?
Dame Judi Dench, out promoting her new movie “Mrs. Henderson Presents,” was snubbed by three network talk shows because of her age, according to producer Harvey Weinstein.
Dench, 71, was nominated Tuesday for an Oscar for her performance in the film, which was distributed by Weinstein’s production company.
He claims Dench was turned down for interviews by NBC’s “Today” show and ABC’s “Good Morning America” and “The View” because she “didn’t fit their demographics.”
Says Weinstein: “I mean, what do they think – 25-year-old people can’t watch 70-year-old people?”
A “View” spokesman said the show had not been approached about Dench, while both “Good Morning America” and “Today” said they were unable to fit her into their schedules. All added that they would welcome her back in the future.
The birthday bunch
Actress Elaine Stritch is 81. Actor Robert Mandan (“Soap”) is 74. Comedian Tom Smothers is 69. Actor Bo Hopkins is 64. Singer Graham Nash is 64. Actress Farrah Fawcett is 59. Actor Brent Spiner (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”) is 57. Model Christie Brinkley is 52. Actor Michael Talbott (“Miami Vice”) is 51. Rapper T-Mo (Goodie Mob) is 34. Singer Shakira is 29.