Hilary Duff has spoken out about Britney Spears' breakdown, branding it "inevitable".

The singer believes Britney's teenage career was the key factor in her downfall, with the pressure put on her too much to handle.

"I feel for her," she said. "I've met her a few times and she's very sweet, hard-working and talented. Being Britney Spears must be difficult. She's been told what to do since she was young. She's not a bad mum - she's a first-time mum, and because she's famous, she's expected never to make mistakes. The pressure she's under would get to anyone. People need to leave her alone."

The 19-year-old admitted she is wary of following a similar path, but claimed she will keep her own eyes open, having seen Spears' example: "I'm not going to stop doing what I love because I'm afraid of breaking down. But I've seen how easily it happens. My sister, Haylie, and I used to live in this apartment complex with lots of young Hollywood stars. I watched lots of famous people earning too much and getting into trouble. I saw people lose everything. Thankfully, I haven't fallen into that trap."