Britney's boast busts virgin myth

Spears told W magazine: "I haven't had a boy in a really long time"

US pop singer Britney Spears has finally admitted losing her virginity - after years of speculation about her self-proclaimed chastity.

The singer famously said would remain a virgin until she got married, and became an official role model for fans around the world.

Her determination to wait until she married made her a hero for the True Love Waits pro-chastity movement.

But she has now told W magazine: "I've only slept with one person my whole life. I thought he was the one. But I was wrong."

Her admission comes more than a year after ex-boyfriend Justin Timberlake told a reporter: "She lost her virginity a while ago - and I should know."

Her innocent image has begun to wear thin, however, and she is said to be on a sabbatical from singing after her career took a downward turn.

She also told W she kissed actor Colin Farrell, but added: "I haven't had a boy in a really long time, and I'm really craving. Just a kiss would be nice."