Dr Phil McGraw shot to fame on Oprah Winfrey's talk show

McGraw had planned to broadcast a programme about the singer's health problems but has now scrapped the idea.

In a statement on his website, the celebrity counsellor said: "I have made the decision not to move forward with the taping at this particular time."

Last week she went to hospital after a hysterical outburst at her home.

'Family consideration'

Spears' ex-husband Kevin Federline has now been granted sole custody of their two children after Spears refused to return the boys after a monitored visit.

McGraw shot to fame issuing advice to particpants on Oprah Winfrey's talk show. He now counsels people on The Dr Phil Show.

Other counsellors accused him of breaching Spears' privacy after he visited the pop star on Saturday morning, just before she was released from hospital.

It is not clear why Spears was admitted to hospital

He said he thought she was "in dire need of both medical and psychological intervention".

McGraw had been planning to broadcast a programme focusing on aspects of Spears' life.

"Clearly, it is not just Britney's family struggling to find a way to protect adult children who cannot be ordered or compelled to seek help," he said on his website.

"Because the Spears situation is too intense at this time and out of consideration to the family, I have made the decision not to move forward with the taping," he added.

It is not clear why Spears was admitted to hospital, however it has been reported that police found the singer to have been under the influence of an unknown substance.