New update given on Britney Spears following arrest for DUI

One of Britney Spears' former friends has spoken out following the singer's arrest earlier this week.

California Highway Patrol officers took the 'Baby, One More Time' singer into custody on Wednesday evening (4 Mar), after Spears was allegedly caught driving whilst under the influence.

She was handcuffed at around 9.28pm local time, released around 3.00am and released three hours later.

DUI can refer to either drugs or alcohol in California, and can see offenders sentenced to up to six months in jail.

Sean Phillip, 'one of Britney's most trusted allies', has since spoken out, telling Good Morning Britain hosts Ranvir Singh and Kate Garraway that he's since spoken to the 44-year-old musician.

Spears' representative slammed her arrest as 'inexcusable' (Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)

"I've spoken to her almost every other day, and I love her. She's such a strong person," Phillip gushed. "Just as everybody else was surprised with this incident happening, I was as well.

"But it's not her character - she's just a lovely, lovely, lovely person."

Spears' former roommate continued: "Knowing her for almost 24 years, I will protect her no matter what. She's not a harmful person."

Asked how she's now feeling, Phillip added: "I texted her, 'Are you okay?', and she said, 'I'm okay'. That's all it was. I said, 'Do you mind if I speak about this?', and she said, 'Yes, go ahead'.

"It brings a certain kind of anxiety towards me to do these interviews, but I want the world to know that she is such a great person."

He added: "We all make mistakes."

Phillip claimed Spears is 'okay' (Good Morning Britain/ITV)

Phillip went on to claim he 'doesn't think' Spears' latest arrest forms part of a 'slippery slope'.

"She's one of the most strong women I've ever met, she just keeps on going," the singer's pal continued. "Imagine what she's going through all these times. It makes me feel bad when she has to endure public mistakes."

Presenters also asked Phillip to comment on the statement Spears' rep gave to the press following her release from prison.

They said on Thursday (5 Mar): "This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable. Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney’s life.

"Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time."

Phillip previously lived with Spears (Good Morning Britain/ITV)

It added: "Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well-being."

Asked what 'change' he'd like to see for Spears, who has since disabled her Instagram account, Phillip admitted: "The change I would like to see - out of Los Angeles.

"I've been talking to her weekly, daily, and she is the same Britney I knew from 2003. So, there's no dissociation that I have with her character or personality.

"But you have to think, 'Who else is she associating herself with?', you know?

"All these dynamics. All I do is, I love her."

He added of Britney's arrest: "I don't think it's a slippery slope. She is one of the most strong women I've ever met, like she just keeps on going.

"It makes me feel bad when she has to endure public mistakes."