Britney’s back to brunette!

Posted by Jane Murphy

 

Look! Britney Spears has not only gone back to the US following her UK concerts: she’s gone back to brunette, too. Oooh - it’s all happening, isn’t it?

The pop princess was spotted sporting her newly dyed locks while out shopping with boyfriend/manager Jason Trawick in Los Angeles yesterday (above, right).

Also worth noting? Britney wasn’t wearing the engagement ring that caused such a stir on Friday - so those wedding rumours may have been a little premature.

Anyway, now for the all-important question. Which look suits Britney best - blonde or brunette? Tell us what you think.

Pictures: Big Pictures

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Miley beats Britney!

Posted by Jane Murphy

 

Miley Cyrus is US teenagers' top idol, according to a new poll.

The Hannah Montana star secured 32% of the votes in the survey by PopEater.com - while last year's winner, comeback queen Britney Spears, could only manage third place.

Well, Brit-Brit is 27, you know: maybe US teens just can't relate to someone of such a grand old age. After all, Miley was barely a glint in Billy Ray Cyrus's eye when Ms Spears first appeared in The Mickey Mouse Club.

Want to know who took second place in the poll? It was the squeaky-clean Jonas Brothers - America's answer to McFly, only with better dentists and a 9pm curfew.

But remember, there's a big difference between teen idols and role models (apparently). Country singer Taylor Swift was voted the celebrity who has the best influence over young people. Hmmm... the "Taylor effect" hasn't quite had the same impact in the UK, has it?

Meanwhile, John Travolta was named the hottest former teen idol - securing an impressive 54% of the votes...

 

So who's the UK's biggest teen idol at the moment? And who's the best role model for young people today? Tell us what you think.

Pictures: Wenn, Rex Features 

SEE ALSO:
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Christmas comes early for Britney >>
Paris Hilton is top role model for kids >>
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Merry Christmas from Britney

Posted by Jane Murphy

 

Oooh - Christmas seems to start earlier every year, doesn't it?

Want proof? Britney Spears ended an energetic performance of 'Do Something' at her Tuesday night show in Washington DC by - somewhat bizarrely - bellowing a heartfelt "Merry Christmas!" to the audience.

And if you don't believe me, just watch to the end of this video clip:

And finally, before I sign off for the weekend, I'd just like to wish you all a very happy and healthy 2010.

Picture: Rex Features

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Your what's hanging out, Britney?

Posted by Jane Murphy

 

Here's everyone's favourite lip-synching comeback queen Britney Spears relaxing on the roof of her Miami hotel yesterday afternoon.

Still, she deserves a little me-time after the excitement of the past few days - not least the embarrassing wardrobe malfunction that took place on stage in Tampa on Sunday night.

Having finished her energetic performance of 'I'm A Slave 4 U', Brit-Brit assumed her microphone was switched off (she mimes, remember). However, it wasn't - so she inadvertently told the packed stadium: "My p***y was hanging out." Classy!

Picture: Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
See Britney's shocking new tour outfits >>
Britney sings live: watch the video evidence >>
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Britney is well and truly back!

Posted by Jane Murphy

 

Those head-shaving, crotch-flashing, paparazzo-snogging days are most definitely over, folks! It seems pop princess Britney Spears was on top form for the opening show of her comeback tour in New Orleans last night.

Brit-Brit was lowered from the rafters in a cage - before launching into an energetic 16-song set, complete with pole-dancing, pyrotechnics and plenty of eye-popping costume changes.

Incidentally, I think she may well have been taking style tips from Madonna...

 

...as well as George Michael...

 

...not to mention Michael Jackson...

 

In fact, isn't that Bubbles the chimp clinging on to her shoulders?

The verdict on the show? Well, most reviews are incredibly positive - although Britney did lip-synch throughout her entire performance. But to be fair, have you ever tried hitting the high notes while showcasing a raunchy pole-dance?

Want more? Here's video footage of Brit-Brit's grand entrance on to the stage (it's all a bit grainy - but you get the idea):

So what do you think of Britney's comeback? Tell us here.

Pictures: Wenn

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Britney sings live: watch the video evidence >>
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Britney tops 'most attractive' poll

Posted by Jane Murphy

That's odd. Yesterday Eva Mendes was the most beautiful woman in the world - but today it seems that title belongs to Britney Spears.

The pop princess topped a Hello! magazine poll to find the world's most attractive female celebrity - managing to nab a suspiciously impressive 43% of the votes.

In second place came Angelina Jolie, closely followed by... erm... Delta Goodrem, Shakira and Liv Tyler. What a bizarre mixture of names!

And the five most attractive male stars, according to the same poll? Twilight star Robert Pattinson, David Tennant, Hugh Laurie, Orlando Bloom and Daniel Craig.

So is Britney really more attractive than Angelina? And why doesn't ubiquitous poll-topper Cheryl Cole get a look-in here? Tell us what you think.

SEE ALSO:
Eva Mendes and Megan Fox are big hits >>
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Britney channels Madonna: see the telltale pic >>
Be first with the gossip! Subscribe to our RSS feed >>

Stars' New Year's resolutions

Posted by Jane Murphy

Have you managed to keep all your resolutions so far? This year, I resolved to spend as much time as possible wandering around in a dressing gown, clutching a mug of tea and moaning about feeling cold/unwell/frustrated at not having written a best-selling novel. And guess what? I'm doing really well!

Meanwhile, those helpful people at Us magazine have been rounding up some of our favourite celebrities' New Year's resolutions. Want to know what they are?

Britney Spears: "I would like to stop worrying so much because I worry all the time. And to learn how to be happier, just in general. And to stop biting my nails!"

Cameron Diaz: "I have always had the same resolutions: to stop smoking, to start wearing a bra and to stop shopping."

Eva Longoria: "To give up meat."

Kanye West: "My resolution is to be as nice as possible to the press."

Jamie Foxx: "I'm looking for the right woman. I need a magnifying glass! I'm trying to find that rare jewel."

So which star has the most chance of sticking to their good intentions - and who's likely to have fallen at the first hurdle? Tell us what you think.

Pictures: PA

SEE ALSO:
Stars in 2008: that was the year that was! >>
Britney tops the "overexposed" list >>
Top 10 star shocks of 2008 >>

Britney: overexposed!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Surprise, surprise! Comeback queen Britney Spears has topped USA Today's "Celebrity Heat Index" for the second year running.

The painstakingly researched chart ranks stars according to the amount of exposure they've received in US newspapers, magazines and entertainment websites.

In second place? It's actress, super-mom and all-round do-gooder Angelina Jolie - closed followed by Jennifer Aniston in third and Brad Pitt in fourth. Collectively, the trio managed to dominate the celebrity news agenda for a total of 14 weeks.

But there's bad news for Paris Hilton. Everyone's favourite hotel heiress dropped out of the Top 10 for the first time in years - which means she'll have to up her game in 2009 if she wants to stay in the public eye.

Hmmm... how about a star-studded wedding, shock pregnancy or even another stint in prison, Paris?

So who'll be next year's most talked-about star? Tell us your suggestions.

Picture: Rex Features

SEE ALSO:
Lights! Cameras! Britney! >>
Is Paris the new Marilyn? >>
Top 10 star shocks of 2008 >>

Britney goes carol-singing

Posted by Jane Murphy

Having Britney Spears withdrawal symptoms after all last week's excitement?

Apparently, she's just headed off to Japan on the next stage of her publicity drive, so there'll doubtless be more news very soon.

But before she left, Brit-Brit went carol-singing with US national treasure Ellen DeGeneres. And here's a taster of what happened...

Ah, it's nice to see Britney not miming for once, isn't it?

Picture: PA

SEE ALSO:
Lights! Cameras! Britney! See the 'Circus' video >>
Take That slam Britney - but why? >>
Kevin: "I still love Britney" >>

Lights! Cameras! Britney!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Well, as far as celebrity stories go, this week has certainly belonged to Britney Spears.

The pop princess's hit-and-miss comeback continued apace yesterday as she switched on the Christmas lights at the LA Live entertainment complex. (And, no, she wasn't miming!)

Meanwhile, the video for Britney's new single, 'Circus', was officially released - to much critical acclaim - on yesterday's edition of Entertainment Tonight:

So are you tempted to get tickets for Britney's live shows in the UK next year? Tell us here.

Picture: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Kevin: "I still love Britney" >>
Take That slam Britney >>
Britney admits she's "sad and lonely" >>

Take that, Britney!

Posted by Jane Murphy

I can't help feeling a bit sorry for Britney Spears at the moment.

The pop princess mimed her way through yet another performance of 'Womanizer' and her latest single 'Circus' on yesterday's Good Morning America.

And although her "people" obviously know how to put on a show - jugglers, unicyclists, fire-eaters! - at the centre of it all there's a woman who's clearly just going through the motions. Just look at her half-hearted body language:

What's more, Britney is still being roundly slammed for miming on Saturday's X Factor - and has even fallen prey to a tongue-lashing from professional nice guys, Take That.

"I don't see the point in Britney any more," Gary Barlow tells the Daily Mirror. "She was rubbish on the show. I think she's more famous now than she deserves to be. Why come on a show like that and mime?"

Gary's bandmate Howard Donald adds: "All the contestants on The X Factor are so talented and were able to sing and dance live. So why wasn't Britney able to do it? It's the whole point of the show and her miming looked stupid. I just don't think she understood the show. She was probably made to do it."

So is Britney trying to do too much too soon following her very public breakdown? Or should she carry on regardless and take the criticism with a pinch of salt? Tell us what you think.

Pictures: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Britney: "I'm sad and lonely" >>
Britney's X Factor panning >>
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Britney and Posh: one out, one in...

Posted by Jane Murphy

First, the bad news... After her whistle-stop tour of Europe - and not-quite-as-triumphant-as-it-could-have-been performance on The X Factor - Britney Spears has jetted back to the US.

But before she headed home, the pop princess - who turns 27 tomorrow - did stop off at London's G-A-Y, where she indulged in a "meet and greet" with a handful of fans in the club's VIP area.

And they must have known she was coming because they baked a cake:

As you can see, the club was packed to the rafters - partly because false rumours had been circulating that Britters would perform on stage. But she obviously wanted to give her voice a rest after The X Factor (ahem!).

Anyway, now for the good news... Britney may have flown home but the paparazzi won't be left twiddling their thumbs for very long. The reason? Victoria Beckham's back in the UK:

Mrs B flew into Heathrow in the early hours of London, ready to launch her brand new dress collection. Oh happy day!

Pictures: Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
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Britney channels Madonna >>
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Who's Britney come as?

Posted by Jane Murphy

Comeback queen Britney Spears came over a bit "Stars In Their Eyes" at last night's Bambi awards in Germany - taking to the stage dressed as her friend and mentor Madonna.

This was Brit-Brit's first live stage performance since her nightmare appearance at last year's VMAs - but, thankfully, she did herself proud:

Not bad, eh? Afterwards, a breathless Britney picked up the gong for Best International Pop Star.

And she's set to do it all again tomorrow night when she performs live on The X Factor - although rumour has it she'll be coming dressed as Wizzard this time...

Pictures: Wenn, Big Pictures

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Britney speaks!

Posted by Jane Murphy

MTV has just released several trailers for its upcoming no-holds-barred documentary about Britney Spears.

And contrary to yesterday's press stories, it seems it's not an out-and-out downer. The reformed pop princess is refreshingly honest throughout - but she does manage to have a laugh, too. Phew!

Watch the trailers here:

SEE ALSO:
Britney: "I feel like a prisoner" >>
Britney's message to her fans >>
Britney under attack! >>

Britney's live from LA!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Britney Spears's amazing comeback continues apace - with the relaunch of her official website.

And, being a well brought-up young lady, the pop princess has recorded a special message to welcome us all to her world.

"I'm taking you where no paparazzi will ever go," she promises. Does such a place even exist?

Watch Britney's full video message here:

Picture: Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
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Britney under attack!

Posted by Jane Murphy

I hate to be all doom and gloom - but don’t you think these pictures of Britney Spears arriving back in Los Angeles after her trip to New York are a little worrying?

Despite trying to cover up under a white shawl, the pop princess looks bewildered and a tad distressed as she tries to fight her way through the crowd of paparazzi who've turned up to greet her at the airport.

It’s all a bit reminiscent of Britney’s “dark days” last year, when every day brought another shedload of pics of the troubled star under siege from shameless snappers.

I suppose Britney’s always going to be hounded wherever she is in the world: it’s the sad price you pay for being an A-list celebrity. But I can’t help thinking things are a whole lot worse for her in Tinseltown. No wonder recent rumours suggest she’s thinking of moving to New York for good.

So is it really time for Brit-Brit to pack up and leave Los Angeles? And where in the world should she go? Tell us what you think.

Pictures: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
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Momma Spears hits TV >>
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Momma Spears hits TV

Posted by Jane Murphy

Here's everyone's favourite pop princess and bounceback queen Britney Spears heading to a Hollywood studio for rehearsals earlier this week.

Apparently, Britters has agreed to make a guest appearance on The X Factor later this year. Oooh - just imagine if she goes out on the town with Cheryl Cole afterwards. The paparazzi will think they've died and gone to heaven...

Meanwhile, Britney's mum Lynne Spears has given a revealing TV interview in the US to promote her controversial new book, Through The Storm: Fame and Family in a Tabloid World.

Momma Spears waxed lyrical about how she felt when Britney was rushed to hospital for psychiatric treatment earlier this year - and what really happened when 16-year-old daughter Jamie Lynn revealed she was pregnant.

Watch highlights of the interview here:

Any thoughts?

SEE ALSO:
In pics: Britney and more at the VMAs >>
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Britney! Xtina! Lindsay!

Posted by Jane Murphy

Congratulations to born-again pop princess Britney Spears who - unlike last year - managed to walk away from this year's MTV Video Music Awards with her pride intact and an impressive tally of three gongs. Welcome back, Britters!

Despite all those rumours, Ms Spears didn't sing on stage: she left those duties to her one-time rival Christina Aguilera who showcased her new single in her first public performance since giving birth to baby Max in January...

Look - Christina even got a new fringe for the occasion! Mind you, it still doesn't quite distract from those Mitchell brothers she keeps hidden down the front of her frock, does it?

Also sporting worthy-of-note hair was Lindsay Lohan, who opted for a '70s-style flick-and-waves when she turned up to present an award...

Latest Li-Lo gossip? She's just turned down Playboy and she wants a baby with partner Samantha Ronson, apparently. And so the world turns...

Meanwhile, Rihanna appeared to be channelling Dickie Davies with her... erm... interesting hairdo (if you don't know what I'm talking about, ask your mum)...

And Katy "I Kissed A Girl" Perry sported a tight satin vest and her mum's control pants - with Disney superstar Miley Cyrus hanging off her arm...

Now, didn't they all look gorgeous?

Click here for more MTV VMA images >>

Pictures: Rex Features, Wenn

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Blondes v brunettes: vote for your favourite >>

World's worst hotel guests?

Posted by Jane Murphy

US travel website www.concierge.com has just unveiled its list of the world's worst celebrity hotel guests - and it makes very interesting reading.

Unsurprisingly, Michael Jackson and Russell Crowe both make the grade for their respective baby-dangling and phone-throwing episodes - while Britney Spears and Amy Winehouse come in for some flak for leaving their rooms in a mess.

However, I was quite shocked to see Nicole Kidman's name on the list. Her alleged crimes? Apparently, she once got her "people" to send a set of pink, 800-thread-count Italian sheets to the Four Seasons Chicago, along with a detailed list of instructions on how to make up her bed. And then she didn't show up.

The Oscar-winner is also reported to have instructed staff at London's Dorchester to replace the standard 60-watt light bulbs in her room with 40-watt ones.

Still, that kind of behaviour hardly competes with throwing a TV set off the balcony or setting off a fire extinguisher in the corridor, does it?

Pictures: PA, Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Videos: when Britney met Russell >>
Amy Winehouse tops nightmare poll >>
Nicole gives birth to Sunday on Monday >>

See Britney's hilarious videos

Posted by Jane Murphy

There are two things to say about Britney Spears today (yep, just the two).

First, she's been spotted wearing a homemade necklace, which displays the names of her two sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James. Awww...

And second, remember those MTV ads with Russell Brand I mentioned yesterday? Well, they've now both been released (the ads, I mean - not Britney and Russell), and you can watch them here...

Oooh - she's got quite a cackling laugh on her, hasn't she?

Could this be a marriage made in celebrity heaven, do you reckon?

Picture: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
When Russell met Britney >>
Britney's shock comeback plans >>
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When Britney met Russell

Posted by Jane Murphy

What a difference a year makes, eh? It's 12 long months since Britney Spears's disastrous performance at the MTV Video Music Awards - but now it seems her life is well and truly back on track.

And just to prove it, the reformed pop princess is appearing in a new ad for this year's awards - alongside comb-shy comedian Russell Brand, who's set to present the bash on 7 September.

Oh, and there's an elephant in the room, too. Yep, a real elephant. But both stars choose to ignore it as they ad-lib their way through a mildly amusing exchange, in which neither of them mentions what happened last year. (See what they did there?)

True to form, Russell insists he can feel sexual tension between them. But Britney hits back: "I didn't feel any tension". Ah, maybe Russ was just picking up on the love emanating from the elephant...

Earlier rumours suggested Britney was set to kickstart her pop comeback by performing on stage at this year's awards - but that's now looking unlikely. Shame! I'd love to see her back to her best, wouldn't you?

JUST IN! Now watch the MTV ads here!

Pictures: PA

SEE ALSO:
Britney's shock comeback plans >>
It's electrifying! Britney to play Sandy >>
Russell Brand's most controversial moments >>

Barack tops Paris and Britney

Posted by Jane Murphy

Who's the biggest celebrity in the world right now? Apparently, it's US presidential candidate Barack Obama - and that's according to his Republican opponent John McCain.

Senator McCain's campaign team have just released a new ad, featuring shots of Paris Hilton and Britney Spears alongside footage of Barack. "He's the biggest celebrity in the world," says the narrator. "But is he ready to lead?"

The Republicans are obviously hoping that some of the negative connotations attached to Paris and Britters will rub off on Barack - and US voters will decide they don't want a celebrity to run the country.

But then again, it could all backfire as celeb-crazy Americans realise who they really want in charge. Paris for President! Put Britney in charge of foreign affairs! Don't laugh - it could happen...

Watch the controversial new ad here:

Pictures: PA

SEE ALSO:
Michelle Obama tops best-dressed poll >>
In pics: Britney and her mystery beach beau >>
Paris voted top role model for kids >>

Why's Britney smiling?

Posted by Jane Murphy

Here's Britney Spears leaving a Beverly Hills hair salon yesterday afternoon - and arguably looking better than ever.

So what's she got to smile about? Well, latest news is she'll be joining Madonna on her upcoming world tour - although only on a special video that's set to be screened at each of the Queen of Pop's concerts.

"The video will be very deep," says a source. "You've never seen Britney like this before. It will blow your mind."

Apparently, filming was supposed to take place this week, but had to be postponed due to technical glitches. Still, at least the delay gave Brit-Brit time to go and get her hair done...

Picture: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Will Britney do it again at the MTV Video Awards? >>
Britney set to play Sandy in Grease? >>
Exposed! Britney's most shocking pics >>

Britney's shock comeback plans

Posted by Jane Murphy

Here's Britney Spears during an evening out with friends in Los Angeles at the weekend. OK, so this picture isn't taken from her best angle - but you have to admit she's been scrubbing up rather nicely recently.

It's also worth noting that Brit-Brit didn't flash her undies, burst into tears or run off with a paparazzo. She just got out of her car, went into a restaurant and enjoyed a quiet meal with her mates. What a difference a few months can make, eh?

Talking of which, remember the erstwhile pop princess's shambolic performance at last year's MTV Video Music Awards? Well, rumour has it she's hoping to bury the ghost of that little episode by returning to the stage at this year's event in September.

"Everyone deserves a second or third chance, right?" says MTV Networks Music Group president Van Toffler.

So while we cross our fingers and hope Van and the gang can coax Britney back to the scene of the crime, here's a reminder of the night it all went wrong (sorry, Britters!):

Picture: Big Pictures

SEE ALSO:
Yikes! Is Lily turning into Britney? >>
Exposed! Britney's most shocking pics >>
It's electrifying! Britney set to play Sandy? >>

Lily goes a bit Britney

Posted by Jane Murphy

It seems Lily Allen is making the most of her stay in Los Angeles.

Yesterday, following her night out with Lindsay Lohan and Samantha Ronson, our perky pink-head hit the shops in an electric blue top, stopping to buy a fancy coffee on the way. And, of course, she was trailed throughout her trip by the paparazzi.

Hmmm... This is all sounding strangely familiar, don't you think? It's very much like an average day in the life of Britney Spears, who - what d'you know? - also sported an electric blue top for a spot of shopping in Beverly Hills yesterday afternoon. Sadly, the pair failed to bump into one another - but there's time yet...

But - hang on! - there's more. It seems Lily has also taken a leaf out of Brit-Brit's book and got the hots for a photographer.

She writes on her blog: "Seriously, I have never been followed like we were today. There were literally 20 cars of 'razzi with us. Not that I'm complaining - they were perfectly pleasant. In fact, we had a bit of a laugh with them and I quite fancied one of them."

Don't do it, Lily!

Pictures: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Lily's night with Li-Lo >>
Lily dyes her hair pink >>
Read more on Britney Spears >>

Who's "dad of the year"?

Posted by Jane Murphy

We haven't heard much from Kevin Federline recently - but now Britney Spears's former husband has been catapulted back into the headlines, thanks to a glowing endorsement from an unlikely source.

The dad-of-four has been named "father of the year" by... erm... a Sin City nightclub called Prive Las Vegas. Obviously, the club's proprietors are incredibly well-placed to judge people on their parenting skills - and Kevin's well-deserved accolade has absolutely nothing to do with the fact he's been hired to host a party at Prive next week.

Mind you, this isn't the first time K-Fed's paternal talents have been recognised: last November, Details magazine anointed him "top celebrity father", alongside Anna-Nicole Smith's ex, Larry Birkhead. Praise indeed!

So who'd be your celebrity dad of the year? K-Fed? Brad Pitt? David Beckham? Tell us what you think.

Picture: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Who's the celebrity mum of the year? >>
Get the latest news on Britney Spears >>
Britney's most shocking pics >>

Weekly blog round-up

Have your say on the top five stories that got us all talking this week:

Are these the world's best lookalikes? >>

Who should star with Britney in Grease? >>

Oh no! Has Preston got engaged again? >>

Kate v Coleen: the great wedding guest debate >>

In love? Danielle Lloyd and the Gladiator >>

SEE ALSO:
Today's hottest celebrity gossip >>
In pics: our fabulous star galleries >>

Britney to play Sandy?

Posted by Jane Murphy

Remember those rumours that Britney Spears was set to star in a West End production of A Streetcar Named Desire?

Well, now forget them. The latest thespian tittle-tattle suggests she's given up on the idea of playing tortured soul Blanche Dubois in the Tennessee Williams classic. Boo! But she's now being lined up to play Sandy in a Broadway production of Grease instead. Hurrah!

"The producers were bouncing around the idea of casting Britney in the role," says an insider. "They're recasting the roles in July, and they thought she looked like a Sandy."

Just one thing, though: if Britney plays Sandy, who should play Danny? Justin Timberlake? Kevin Federline? Gareth Gates? Tell us what you think.

Pictures: Rex, PA

SEE ALSO:
Is Kate the new Britney? >>
Read more on Britney Spears >>
In pics: Britney's most shocking snaps >>

Where's Britney?

Posted by Jane Murphy

Stop me if you think you've heard this one before but... Rumours are rife that Britney Spears is pregnant. The evidence? She looks like she may have piled on a few pounds and she went for a hospital check-up yesterday.

Apparently, the hospital in question actually specialises in sports injuries - but that hasn't stopped the Hollywood rumour mill from going into overdrive.

Still, enough of that nonsense! I'm far more interested in the news that later in the day, Britters headed off on holiday with Mel Gibson. The pop princess is staying at Mel's Costa Rican ranch, along with her dad Jamie, Mel's wife Robin and the actor himself.

"They're just going away for a few days to relax," a friend told People magazine. "Mel and Robin obviously saw a woman in crisis and wanted to extend themselves in any way possible. There are no expectations. There is no agenda. It's simply an act of human kindness - one neighbour reaching out to another."

Oh well, let's hope Britters doesn't get too bored during her holiday with the oldies... I wonder what they'll talk about all day. Any ideas?

Picture: Wenn

SEE ALSO:
Read more on Britney Spears >>
In pics: Britney's most shocking snaps >>
See more unlikely friendships >>

Britney's TV role praised by critics

Posted by Will Parkhouse

Britney Spears' decision to appear in US sitcom How I Met Your Mother has apparently paid off, drawing praise from the critics and giving the show a big ratings boost.

Pulling in a hefty 10.67m viewers – the show's highest ever figures – the extended cameo saw La Spears playing a daft receptionist at a tattoo-removal surgery.

"Britney looked as adorable last night as she did waaay back when," said the New York Post’s Linda Stasi. “[She] appeared fresh-faced and relaxed, capably filling the small role,” intoned AP's Erin Carlson. And David Hinckley of the New York Daily News unintentionally delivered what some might have seen as a backhanded compliment, writing, “Spears proved she can act every bit as well as she can sing.”

Anyway, in case you missed it, here's a clip which combines all Britters' moments into one slightly confusing mulch.

While it’s probably safe to say she’s not the next Gielgud, Britney's ditzy perkiness is undeniably winning. What did you think?

Britney accuses mum of sleeping with boyfriend

Posted by Will Parkhouse

A tough first night in hospital for Britney Spears, we hear. The singer, now sectioned in UCLA Medical Centre after being hospitalised yesterday, spent several hours screaming.

It’s thought that Britters also accused her mother Lynn of sleeping with her boyfriend, Adnan Ghalib, yelling: "The only reason she's admitting me is because she wants to be alone with her boyfriend. She wants to sleep with my boyfriend."

Celebrity website TMZ reports that doctors have classified Britney as "gravely disabled”, meaning she is “unable to take care of basic needs, such as the acquisition of food, clothing or shelter". It’s not looking good.

Sources: Daily Mail, TMZ
Picture: Wenn

Britney hospitalised >>
A night of mayhem >>

A Brit too much to bear

Posted by Amanda Vlietstra

Another day, another story about Britney – so apologies to those of you who’re sick of reading about the “troubled star.” The latest in the saga is that yesterday Britney was meant to attend a court hearing about the custody of her two sons Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1. She’d been warned by her lawyers that if she didn’t show up, she risked being permanently banned from seeing her boys.

So did she show up? Of course she… didn’t. Her car turned up at the courtroom – a mere three hours late – but when she saw the press buzzing around outside, she shouted: “I’m scared. Stop it. Stop it. Just stop it!” Then she leapt straight back into her car, and went shopping and for Mexican food with lover Adnan Ghalib instead.

She also popped into a church, where she lit candles. A note left in the prayer box read: “Dear God, please give Britney her kids back.” Which would be poignant if it wasn’t so flippin’ stupid – if Britney can’t even be bothered to fight for her kids herself, why should she expect any divine entity to intervene on her behalf?

Later on in the evening, she and Adnan were spotted visiting four pharmacies, apparently in search of “something to make her feel better.” Perhaps she’d have felt better if she’d actually turned up in court and made an effort to show the world she’s a fit mother, instead of relying on narcotics to numb the pain of being a useless one.

Clearly, the woman has entirely lost her grasp on reality – if she ever had it – but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to feel any sympathy for her. She either doesn’t have a clue that she’s risking losing her boys for ever with her breathtakingly stupid and selfish behaviour, or she doesn’t care. Either way, it’s becoming overwhelming clear that her kids are in the best place for them right now – well away from their self-obsessed, spoilt, pill-popping mother.

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Is Britney's mum to blame?

Posted by Amanda Vlietstra

Simon Cowell has advised Britney Spears to drop her “stupid friends” and go back home to her mum. The pop mogul says of the star’s meltdown: “I said six months ago that she should go home….You’d be amazed – you live normally, and suddenly everything becomes normal. All that craziness, being followed around and all that stuff, it’s going to do your head in. But you can get away from it if you want to.”

Which is all well and good, Simon Cowell, until you consider that it was Mrs Spears Senior who first propelled the infant Britney into the limelight, and presumably hasn’t done too badly out of it all in the subsequent years. So far, she appears to have done very little to help her daughter.

True, Britney’s an adult and can do what she likes – but given the extent of her meltdown, it’s hard to believe her mum hasn’t intervened and dragged her into rehab, or at least given her a stern talking-to and said, “put a bra on before you go out, love.” While Britney’s still making headlines – and money – it seems that even the people who are meant to care about her are reluctant to get tough.

It’s also been reported that when Britney was hospitalised over the weekend, she spent two days jabbering away to doctors in a put-on Brummie accent, like her paparazzi boyfriend Adnan Ghalib’s. The girl needs help. Everybody seems to be offering their opinion on the subject, but nobody’s actually doing anything. Where the hell are her friends and family in all this?

Source: The Sun, Daily Star
Picture: PA/Rex

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Britney's meltdown in pictures
Britney's troubles

Britney's troubles

Posted by Will Parkhouse

“Gimme gimme more,” sang Britney Spears last year. And looking at the number of paparazzi and paramedics who swooped in on her Beverly Hills home last night, that’s exactly what she got.

Nine police vehicles, four news helicopters, three ambulances and about a million photographers. Oh, and two children. The fact that of all people, Kevin Federline seems to have become the main stabilising influence in the lives of Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1, shows how far down the line Britters has come.

With reports of drinking problems and the “unknown substances” of last night, has La Spears brought this on herself? Or would the mental stress of losing your kids while the whole world looks on bring anyone to their knees?

Picture: Rex

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Britney hospitalised >>
Spears sister saga continues >>

Friends again?

Posted by Jane Murphy

As gossip-mongers across the globe continued to debate those hotly denied pregnancy rumours, under-fire pop princess Britney Spears simply got on with the more pressing business of celebrating her 26th birthday this weekend.

And who was there to help her blow out the candles? It was none other than one-time best pal Paris Hilton. Ah, that's nice, isn't it?

But - hang on! - according to US gossip website TMZ, although Paris was photographed leaving LA hotspot, the Scandinavian Style Mansion, with Britters and her cousin Alli Sims, she didn't accompany them any further than the car park. Instead, she merely hopped into her car, applied some make-up, then ducked back into the party.

Could Paris simply have seen a golden opportunity to pose for the paps? Surely not!

Picture: Big Pictures

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Britney denies pregnancy
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Kevin's top of the pops!

Posted by Jane Murphy

This time last year he was one of the most ridiculed men in showbiz. But now Britney Spears's ex-husband Kevin Federline has come up smelling of roses in a high-profile US survey.

K-Fed is the seventh most influential man under 45 in Hollywood, according to a poll by upmarket Details magazine. He also shares the title of "Good Father of the Year" alongside Anna Nicole Smith's ex, Larry Birkhead.

"To be a father is everything," gushes Kevin. "It shows me how little I am." On the contrary, Kev, it seems to be making you bigger and bigger...

Photo: PA

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Ms Spears gets a new boyfriend >>
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Britney’s new boyfriend

Posted by Will Parkhouse

“Waiter waiter, there’s a fly in my soup.”
“Please don’t speak so loudly, Madam, or everyone will realise you’re Britney Spears and get scared you’re about to do something crazy, like attack their SUVs with umbrellas, jump in the sea in your pants, or flash your bits.”
“Good point. Hey, you’re hot by the way, fancy being my new boyfriend?”

OK, it probably didn’t happen like that, but bottom line is that Britters is now seeing waiter Michael Marchand. The pair have been spotted dining out together at Los Angeles’ Mirabelle restaurant, where Michael works – well, if you get a staff discount, why not use it?

An insider gave Life and Style Magazine the details: “Michael came in a little after midnight, and she came in right after. They were being discreet. Forty-five minutes later, they left the restaurant together. He was charming – he made Britney laugh and looked at her with this secret smile. They left in separate cars.”

“Their chemistry was immediate. He’s very turned on by her. Since then, the two had at least one date at Brit’s mansion.” So is he caviar or a pot noodle? Post your thoughts on the new boy below…

Picture: Big

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Britney's most shocking pics >>
Celebrity fashion disasters >>

Paparazzo’s sock on eBay

Posted by Will Parkhouse

You probably remember the time someone put Britney Spears’s hair up for sale on eBay. Well this is tons better. Showbiz website TMZ is auctioning the sock worn by the reporter whose foot Britney ran over in her car last week. Complete with tyre marks.

At time of writing, the highest bid for the sock is $561.01 – just over £270 – but there are still 12 hours of bidding to go, so get to work! Proceeds go to US charity, the Children’s Defense Fund. Oh, and apparently, “the sock will be framed under glass and delivered with a letter of authenticity”. Wow.

Picture: Wenn

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Britney gets a trout pout >>
Britney runs over pap >>
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Revealed: why Britney Spears doesn't wear underwear

Posted by Nikki Scholey

A friend of Britney Spears says the reason the star often goes out wearing no underwear is because she "doesn't feel comfortable with it on".

The singer has been photographed recently getting out of cars wearing no knickers. Her pal, jewellery designer Tuesday Knight, told In Touch magazine: "The underwear thing is ridiculous - and I've told her. I've said, 'You cannot walk into a store wearing just a shirt with your underwear off'. I've told her that no one will take her seriously when she does this."

"I've heard Paris Hilton, Lindsay Lohan and Britney talk about how they shock Hollywood just for the fun of it. They were discussing how they could play a little joke on all of us."

She added: "Britney doesn't need to do it and she knows it's stupid. But she says that she just doesn't like to wear underwear."

SEE ALSO:
Britney flashes her knickers
Britney turns to Jacko

Britney turns to Jacko

Posted by Jane Murphy

Now, we have a feeling this story could all fizzle away to nothing just as quickly as it appeared. But then again, it is on page 10 of today's Daily Star - and those nice people at "Britain's most successful newspaper" (ahem!) wouldn't lie to us, would they?