Britney Unleashes October Surprise A Week Late

AVAILABLE Spears

We interrupt this day of democracy to bring you breaking news that the magic is over between Britney Spears and K-Fed. First Reese and Ryan. Then Rock and Compton-Rock. They say these things come in threes. Interesting that this was timed to be announced after the K-Fed record release and just moments before People magazine's deadlines (and after the deadlines of its celeb weekly competitors). Sources say Us Weekly will have a cover story about Britney's failing marriage, maybe even going so far as to say Britney "walked out" on Kevin. Life & Style and In Touch are going with Reese and Ryan covers (respectively), and Star is rolling out a cover with both Reese and Ryan. OK! is going with a Reese cover.

Several insiders say the divorce announcement was a timed gift to People, which was going with a cover story on Kirstie Alley but scrapped it when the news broke. "She's not stupid," an insider says of Spears. "Her timing is perfect. No one can change anything now except for People, who she's in bed with." Another celebrity press source tells Radar: "Britney definitely knows People will give her a soft pillow to land on."

Blindsided? Riddled with confusion? You aren't the only one who's been fooled. Relive the lie after the jump.