Backstreet Boys star defends Britney

Backstreet Boys star AJ McLean has defended Britney Spears, labelling the troubled singer a "very talented, hardworking young woman".

McLean admitted that he felt sorry for Spears after watching her performance at Sunday's MTV Video Music Awards, which was dubbed an "embarrassment" by many critics.

However, he insisted that Spears’ ability to bounce back should not be underestimated, telling DS: "I think if she really puts her mind to it and stays focused and stops going out and kind of allowing herself to be easily distracted, she can do it.

"She's a freakin' trooper. I think she'll be fine… I think she's a very talented, hardworking young woman."