Madonna photos spark adoption fears

Madonna fears that her adoption of Malawian baby David is in jeopardy after a collection of her private photographs and love letters were sold by an ex-boyfriend.

An investment company recently bought the items, which the singer sent to James Albright during their relationship in the early 90s.

The seven images reportedly show the singer naked in a variety of sexually explicit poses.

The collection also includes handwritten letters signed 'Spanky', as well as personal items including underwear.

The star's lawyers are now battling to stop the items being made public after the firm Marquee Capital said it hoped to raise £100,000 by putting them on the market.

A source at the company denied that the move is an attempt to make money at Madonna's expense, saying: "It's not all about sex. Some of the notes and letters talk of her world falling apart, others talk of her feeling really low and down.

"These letters show us that at the height of her career, she was actually a very insecure woman."

The head of Malawi's child welfare service is due to visit Madonna and her family in London to determine whether they should be allowed to adopt baby David Banda permanently.