BRITNEY SPEARS is in secret talks to play the VIRGIN MARY in a quirky retelling of the Nativity Story. U.S. reports suggest the troubled pop superstar is being considered for a part in new film Sweet Baby Jesus.

Leaders of a Catholic group are outraged by claims BRITNEY SPEARS is in talks to play the Virgin Mary in a spoof movie. French producers want the troubled pop star to take the lead role in new film Sweet Baby Jesus - about a pregnant 19-year-old who goes into labour alone on Christmas Eve. And officials at America's Catholic League are appalled the single mother-of-two is up for the role. - [you have to click over to read the quote from the Catholic League head! It's a real classic. We're thinking of making up bumper stickers]