Miley Cyrus' 90-year-old backing dancer was surprised when the singer touched her breasts at the MTV Video Music Awards.

Shirley Claire has admitted the live TV moment, in which the 24-year-old singer fondled the dancer's chest during the ceremony at The Forum in Inglewood, California on Sunday night (27.08.17), was completely unexpected, but put it down to the singer being a "natural" performer.

She said: "When she pressed my boobs, that was spontaneous. It was unscripted. She is a natural like that."

While Shirley didn't seem to mind the exchange, she has admitted not being Miley's greatest fan when she first met her, but the pair now get on really well and the dancer - who has appeared on 'America's Got Talent' - wishes they were related.

She added to DailyMail.com: "I am 90 for god's sake. I was born in 1928, but now I am a fan.

"I wish she was my granddaughter, I would spoil her. She wouldn't need to be famous, just my granddaughter who I would spoil. I would be delighted. (sic)"

As well as Shirley, Miley also recruited an 85-year-old drag queen, James 'Gypsy' Haake - who appears in the pop star's 'Younger Now' video - to perform alongside her at the ceremony.

Prior to the performance, James said: "It's absolutely mind-boggling what she's done.

"Miley Cyrus' fans will be very jealous of me because she gets to kiss me quite a few times. I don't know if it will cure my social problems, but it's sure going a long way toward it.

"Wait til you see this on Sunday. Huge, huge dance number with her with all the seniors. She does kiss me. OK? We're talking about Miley Cyrus. Of course it gets wild.

"This is a very smart woman. She's 24 years old. She looks 18 and she's tiny. She's beautiful and very, very smart."

Miley is known for her controversial VMAs performances, including one in 2013 when she twerked up against Robin Thicke while wearing a flesh-toned bodysuit.