Simon Cowell offers Britney advice

Simon Cowell has advised Britney Spears to "get a sense of reality".

The outspoken X Factor judge insisted that the resurgent pop star can rebuild her career after her spell at a rehabilitation clinic earlier this year.

He told MTV: "My advice to (Britney) six months ago was: 'Go home to your family, lock the door, don't go out with your stupid friends and have some home-cooked food. Get a sense of reality'.

"And then say to yourself: 'There's more good in my life than bad. I'm still a rich, talented girl and I want to get my career back on track.' End of story."