POP princess Britney Spears is coming back to Manchester.

The American star will play the city's Arena on May 1 for what will be one of just four British gigs.

Britney has hit the headlines in recent weeks and months for her increasing raunchiness and "that" kiss with Madonna.

Last week she got wed in Las Vegas - in a marriage to "boyfriend" Jason Alexander which lasted just hours.

But the singer behind chart-toppers Hit Me Baby One More Time and Oops I Did It Again is still a crowd puller and her concerts are set to be sell-outs.

Her ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake will be at the Manchester Evening News Arena as well this year - he is playing three dates on January 24, 25 and 26.

Britney, who played a gig in Manchester a couple of years ago, said: "I love the British fans and the crowds are always fun. This is going to be my best tour yet."

Tickets go on sale on Friday from 9am and can be bought on www.meanfiddler.com or by ringing 0870 602 1101.