She’s been in the spotlight since she was eight years old – dealing with more ups and downs than most people experience in ten lifetimes – so who could blame Britney Spears for needing a bit of time off?
Last week, the singer confirmed she was taking a beat to focus on “what I really want”, but insiders say it’s likely to be a much longer break than you’d expect.
In fact, Britney’s decided to take a whole ten years away from the spotlight, so she can finally get her life back under control.
CHECK OUT: Britney Spears' most iconic looks
It's Britney Spears' birthday! Here are her 20 worst outfits
1 of 20Tiers in our eyes
Because who wouldn't wear Len Goodman's flat cap and a dress from Walford market?
2 of 20Sleeve it alone
Forgot to get a manicure? Just get some XXL sleeves instead
3 of 20Dancing queen
An overexcited teenager going to her school prom springs to mind
4 of 20Fascinating
It's probably a sign to take it off when your fascinator resembles a mould spore
5 of 20Sheer horror
We can only hope Britters is wearing a bra under there...
6 of 20Busti-urgh
No amount of accessorising will disguise that hideous corset
7 of 20Hell for pleather
There are so many things wrong with this we don't even know where to begin
8 of 20Boo hiss
Has Britney just seen those snake beauties in the mirror?
9 of 20Feathered friend
Part Strictly cast member, part Big Bird
10 of 20Taking the plunge
We can only pray that tit tape's holding on for dear life under there
11 of 20Kimo-NO
When your outfit matches your skintone, it's probably a sign to lay off the fake tan
12 of 20Peachy keen
Remember when matchy matchy outfits were a thing? Yes, us neither. Because they never were
13 of 20Sock it to us
Someone's been raiding The Hobbit costume department
14 of 20Holy moly
What a champ, smiling away despite losing her trousers AND ripping her jumper
15 of 20Suede me once
That poor sheep lost it's fur for THIS?
16 of 20Rodeo dive
At least her hair looks nice, eh?
17 of 20Thinking pink
We would have sold our gran for those sequin trousers at our Year 6 school disco
18 of 20Purple reign
Amazing washboard abs. But do you really need to cut a hole out of your top to show 'em off?
19 of 20Suspended
The only way these trousers could possibly be uglier is if they were latex
20 of 20Cheap frills
We're sure our great aunt has the very same nightwear set as this
“Britney’s made the decision to take a long break from performing,” says an insider close to the star, who has struggled with mental ill health over the years, mostly recently spending a month in a “wellness facility” earlier this year.
“Of course, it was an extremely tough decision, because she loves being onstage and adores her fans, but she also knows it’s a necessary step.”
Posting on Instagram last week, the mum to Jayden, 12, and Sean, 14, wrote, “I hope y’all haven’t forgotten about me!!! I’m taking this transition in my life to focus on what I really want... sometimes it’s good to stop and reflect!!!! Miss you all...”
Fans flooded the comment section to send Britney love and well wishes, including her boyfriend Sam Asghari, who simply wrote, “Respect”, with a wolf emoji.
Britney’s decision follows a difficult period for the 37 year old, who has been in and out of court this year dealing with family issues.
Most recently, her sons were granted a restraining order against Britney’s dad Jamie – who has been in charge of the pop star’s conservatorship since 2008 – after an alleged altercation with Sean.
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Shortly afterwards, Britney’s joint custody arrangement with her ex Kevin Federline was amended, so she now has her sons only 30 per cent of the time.
“Britney wants to take back control of her life,” says heat’s source. “She wants to prove she’s capable of looking after herself and living without the conservatorship.
"She’s been speaking to a new lawyer, who advised that it will take up to ten years to fully regain control. So, Britney made a conscious decision to give up her career while she fights.
Thankfully, she’s being 100 per cent supported by Sam and [her mum] Lynne. Britney’s calling them her secret army –she says they’re helping her to finally break free from the nightmare of this ridiculous agreement.
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