I'M GOING SLIGHTLY MAD

Is Britney Spears sending out barely-hidden messages to her fans via her song and album titles? Obviously, it's a lot more subtle than the messages sent out by Katie Holmes on a daily basis as she screams "Help me!" to paparazzi as Tom Cruise scowls, but the messages are there, nonetheless.

First clue was the single 'Toxic' which essentially summed up Britney's mental state and underwear at the time.

Then she appeared at the MTV awards in what appeared to be a fat suit and sweated and wobbled her way through a single called 'Gimme More'.

And now there's the new album, to be titled 'Blackout', which is surely the name her her favourite hobby at present. But no, say her record company, Jive, who claim that the title has nothing to do with someone taking such large quantities of booze and drugs that they pass out. Oh no, the title of the album...

"Refers to blocking out negativity and embracing life fully," said a spokesman, barely suppressing a giggle at his own cheek. Expect Britney's next single, 'I've Fucked Up My Life And I Want To Die But I'm Taking The Younglings With Me' to be in the shops soon.