Madonna returning to US for five months

Madonna is moving her family back to the US for five months.

The singer wants time to prepare for a world tour in the summer, and also hopes to escape rumours in the UK press that her marriage is in trouble.

"She feels like she is living in a goldfish bowl in Britain," a source told The People. "She thinks an extended break will do them all the world of good and take the heat off for a while."

The insider also insisted that Guy Ritchie will be accompanying the star to the Brit Awards on Wednesday, despite speculation that he was refusing to do so.

"Their marriage is strong and normal," the source explained. "They argue like mad but it doesn't mean anything. Madonna loves him and life here. There is no way she'd quit Britain for good."