Britney Spears checks into rehab following driving under influence arrest

A decision by Britney Spears to enter a rehabilitation programme has placed fresh focus on her personal struggles, coming just weeks after her arrest for suspected drunk driving and as she prepares to answer to the charge in court.

The singer checked herself into a treatment facility voluntarily, her representative confirmed on Sunday, nearly a month after the incident that raised concern among her family and team.

Following her arrest on March 4, her representative termed the episode “completely inexcusable” and said those close to her would “come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well being”.

Her move to seek help comes with a court date in California fast approaching, where she is expected to face a charge linked to driving under the influence.

Authorities said the singer had been reported for operating her BMW “erratically at a high rate of speed” on a motorway. Officers from the California Highway Patrol later stopped her and noted she “showed signs of impairment” before administering field sobriety tests.

After the incident, her representative told the BBC: “Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney's life.

“Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time.

“Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well being.”

Spears has long been one of the most recognised figures in pop, with chart-topping songs including Baby One More Time, Toxic, Everytime, Gimme More, Womanizer, and Stronger.

Her life away from music has also drawn attention, particularly during the 13 years she spent under a conservatorship that gave her father control over her finances and personal matters.

He has said it was necessary because her life was "in shambles and she was in physical, emotional, mental and financial distress".

"Through the conservatorship, Britney has been able to return to a path towards stability in all of these phases of her life. The mission has been successful and it is now time for Britney to re-take control of her life."