Russell Brand: 'Elephants Are More Interesting Than Britney Spears'

Britney Spears or elephants?

"I enjoyed meeting Britney, she was lovely. But it was very distracting because there was an elephant there," British comedian Russell Brand says of recording a promo clip for the MTV VMAs alongside the Toxic singer.

"I know Britney is very attractive, but I've never met an elephant before," he said. "They're eye-catching. They get the attention, an elephant."

Brand, best known in America for his appearances in the films Forgetting Sarah Marshall and St Trinian's, will present the 25th annual MTV Video Music Awards on September 7.

Spears, 26, who is up for three gongs, will open the show.

“MTV has long played an important role in my career," the singer said in a statement earlier this week. "How can I not be there to kick off their 25th VMA's? 

"I'm excited to open the entire show, to say 'hi' to my fans and to be nominated."

"Britney has done everything from perform with a snake, lock lips with Madonna and prove that what happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas. I can't wait to see what she does to kick off this year's show," Van Toffler, President, MTV Networks Music, added.