Britney defends bonkers brolly bash

Britney Spears has explained that when she hit a paparazzo's car with an umbrella earlier this year she was just preparing for a film role.

The 25-year-old singer, whose next album has been put back until 2008, said that she was rehearsing for a film role when the incident took place in February and was too immersed in the character's quirky personality.

"I want to apologise for the past incident with the umbrella," said Britney to gossip site X17.

"I was preparing a character for a possible movie role where the husband doesn't play his part so they swap places.

"Unfortunately I didn't get the part. I'm sorry I got all carried away with my role!"