Britney Gets Her Kicks from Champagne But Not Opportunistic Dr. Phil

• Jan 7, 2008 02:26 PM ET
• by TV Guide News

Britney Spears on Sunday marked what would have been the conclusion of her 72-hour hospital lockdown - that is, had she not checked out early Saturday - by swigging bubbly and snuggling with paparazzo pal Adnan Ghalib, People reports.

What, is Dr. Phil not a good drinking buddy? Actually, reports of how the TV shrink counseled Britney at Cedars-Sinai and then "escorted" her from the hospital have since been scrutinized, with some accounts saying the doc was not welcome at all by Spears, who allegedly threw a fit upon his intrusion into her space. As for talk that Spears herself will visit Dr. Phil for an episode taping today and airing Tuesday, TMZ hears "she absolutely will not appear" - though mom and dad Lynne and Jamie are set to speak out about their daughter's downward spiral.

In response to the attacks on his seemingly unsolicited involvement, Dr. Phil told Monday's The Early Show that he showed up at Cedars "at the request of her family," including both parents and her sister and brother. "They were very frustrated that she apparently wasn't going to be held for a longer period of time."

Related (aka "Gimme More"):
" Dr. Phil: Britney Is "In Dire Need of Medical, Psychological Intervention"
" Britney Exits Hospital via Tunnel After K-Fed Gets Sole Custody of Kids
" Hospitalized Britney in 72-hour Lockdown Following Custody Standoff
" New photo gallery: Britney through the years!
" Reflect on Britney's simpler days with our photo gallery and video clips.