Celebrity Gossip's

Britney Spears has gone back into rehab for a third time amid reports estranged husband Kevin Federline promised to fight for custody of their children if she did not return.

Yesterday, the fallen pop princess checked herself out of the Promises rehab facility in Malibu after less than 24 hours.

It was reported she had heard K-Fed has taken their children - Sean Preston, 17 months, and five-month-old Jayden James - from her mother and was seeking an emergency court hearing to claim custody.

Brit left Promises for a doorstep showdown with Kevin, attacking a nearby photographer with an umbrella.

The court hearing was cancelled when Britney returned to Promises to finish her treatment.

But it is though Kevin will fight for permanent custody of the children if Brit doesn't complete her programme, rumoured to last around 40 days.

Last week Britney managed to last just 24 hours in Eric Clapton's Crossroads rehab facility in Antigua, before prompting speculation that she may be on the verge of a nervous breakdown by walking into a hair salon and shaving off her own hair.