Britney Spears is putting her pop career on hold after suffering from exhaustion.

The 21-year-old is taking a break of at least six months while she debates her future. Some reports say she may be out of action for as long as two years.

Britney's spokesman said she would be spending her time off at her family home in Louisiana. Spears - already worth £40m at the age of 21 - has had a difficult few months.

She faced booing fans in London when she failed to pose for photos or sign autographs at the premiere of her movie Crossroads.

'21 going on nine'

Her health has been in question too, with her allegedly fainting after taking up a fad diet and she also split up with her childhood sweetheart, N'Sync singer Justin Timberlake.

Sources told the Daily Mail: "She's tired of being under constant pressure to perform. She's exhausted and she's still broken up about Justin."

Other reports say Britney is now keen to date Leonardo DiCaprio. One US music industry insider was less than sympathetic about this.

He said: "She is desperate to hook up with someone who will make Justin jealous. She's 21 going on nine years old, and just can't get over the fact that he has moved on."