Spot of bother for Britney

At 22, Britney Spears clearly believes she can burn the candle at both ends without getting her fingers burned.

But, as this picture shows, she couldn't be more wrong. Abandoning her healthy lifestyle for a diet of booze, junk food and cigarettes has taken a drastic toll on the pop princess.

Her fresh-faced features of less than two years ago are a distant memory.

Now she is bloated, covered in acne, is developing a double chin and those in the know say her figure is beginning to sag.

Britney, who was pictured at the weekend in Los Angeles, prided herself on her wholesome image when she shot to fame as a teenager.

She followed a strict fitness regime and declared herself pure in mind and body. It became clear that all was not well in Britneyworld, however, at the start of this year when she married childhood friend Jason Alexander during a drinking spree only for the union to be annulled 55 hours later.

Recently she cancelled a world tour after suffering a knee injury and went on holiday to Hawaii with new fiance Kevin Federline, 26, an out-of-work dancer whose girlfriend was expecting their second child when he decided he preferred Britney.

The couple seem to spend much of their time together smoking and drinking. Only last week Britney was pictured swigging from a miniature whisky bottle in the street, although she later insisted it actually contained ginseng.

At the weekend she strolled braless through LA seeming not to care about her appearance.

Perhaps, however, the thought of her forthcoming wedding pictures will encourage her to seek to regain her former glory.

The pair are planning a £ 1.5million ceremony at the exclusive Beverly Hills Hotel on November 20.

Britney has ordered a £20,000 Vera Wang dress and 400 bottles of Cristal champagne - one for each guest.