Britney Spears has begun work on hew eighth studio album.

The "Gimme More" hitmaker is teaming up with writer Elijah Blake - who has previously worked with stars including Rihanna and Usher - for the follow up to 2011's Femme Fatale and the songwriter thinks fans will be "surprised" by the tracks.

"I think her fans will be surprised by it. I would say it's definitely the 'unexpected' Britney in so many ways, in that she's playing with new textures and stomping on new grounds and genres," Elijah said. "I've definitely had the pleasure of starting on something I think is going to be big with her," he also wrote on Twitter.

No further information about the record has been released, but Britney, 31, was previously spotted in a recording studio with Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins. Blackout producer Danja has also previously confirmed he would work with her again.