Britney Spears’ cameo appearance on How I Met Your Mother has been snubbed by Emmy officials and she won’t be competing for a gong.

TV guest spots by Mary-Kate Olsen, who recently started a feud with Spencer Pratt, were also ignored by the award show bigwigs.

Both stars have been left off the top 10 list of Emmy semifinalists in the Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series category.

Instead, Sarah Silverman is a favourite for her part as an obsessed stalker in Monk, alongside Oscar nominee Amy Ryan for her star turn in The Office.

Others on the list include Carrie Fisher and Edie Falco for 30 Rock, and Polly Bergen and Shirley Knight for Desperate Housewives guest spots.

The awards will be handed out on 6 September.