Comedian Russell Brand is returning to work for MTV, seven years after he was sacked over a sick 9/11 prank.

The lanky funnyman was given the boot as a video jockey (VJ) in London after arriving for work dressed as terrorist Osama Bin Laden the day after the September 11 terror attacks.

He has since forged a successful career in stand-up comedy - and has now been asked to present this year's (08) MTV Video Music Awards in Hollywood.

Brand, who recently played a rock musician in movie Forgetting Sarah Marshall, says, "I didn't mention (the Bin Laden incident) to them when they offered me this gig, which leads me to believe that they haven't investigated my career history too closely."

And the notorious womaniser has promised more controversy, adding: "I'm planning to have lesbian kisses with Britney (Spears) and Madonna individually.

"It's not going to be easy what with my genitals, but God, I will try."