American pop star Britney Spears' marriage to Kevin Federline officially ended yesterday when their divorce was finalised.

During a hearing at the Superior Court in Los Angeles, custody of their children was also arranged, however further legal action over the care of their two boys is expected.

The 25-year-old singer married backup dancer Federline in 2004, less than a year after her first marriage to childhood friend Jason Alexander was annulled.

Federline left his partner, actress Shar Jackson, when she was pregnant with their second child to marry Spears.

Spears and Federline had two children – 22-month-old Sean Preston and 10-month-old Jayden James – before she filed for divorce in November 2006.

Since their separation, Spears’ increasingly erratic behaviour has made tabloid headlines. The singer, once feted as a Christian role model, shaved off her famous head of hair, attacked an SUV with an umbrella and climbed on stage at a strip club, before checking into a rehab clinic in February.

In the past fortnight Spears’ behaviour has again put her in the spotlight. During a photoshoot with OK! magazine, a disorientated Spears allowed her dog to defecate on a designer dress, and, after eating chicken, wiped her hands on another gown. She then walked out of the shoot early, taking with her $14,000 (£6,900) worth of clothes.

Ok! Editor-In-Chief Sarah Ivens later released a statement, saying: “OK! Magazine spent a heartbreaking day with Britney Spears and witnessed first-hand an emotional cry for help that will leave you shocked and sad.”

Spears became famous at 11 after landing a part on children's programme Mickey Mouse Club. She went on to record a string of number one hits and became one of America's highest-earning entertainers, fronting campaigns for Pepsi and Sketchers before releasing her own fragrance.

She is reported to be working on a comeback album.

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