Is this the best Britney Spears lookalike ever?

But for once, the snappers were left open-mouthed as the woman was not their usual target - but with her uncanny likeness to the star, she definitely qualified as the best Britney Spears lookalike ever.

Double take: This young lady had all the photographers on Malibu beach running wild until they realised she was possibly the best Britney Spears lookalike ever

Blonde on the beach: The curvy blonde girl cavorted on the beach and unwittingly attracted photographers

With her tousled blonde locks forced into a messy bun atop her head, well-rounded stomach protruding from her too-brief bikini, and her whiter than white Hollywood smile, she certainly bore more than a passing likeness to the troubled singer.

But she didn't fool the photographers who make their living from trailing the real Britney for too long.

Meanwhile, the real Britney stepped out with a smart new look ahead of her appearance in court yesterday for her  ongoing custody battle with ex-husband Kevin Federline.

Britney tamed her unruly locks into a sleek straightened hairstyle and dressed soberly in a white shirt and cropped trousers to attend the court hearing in Los Angeles.

Hit me Britney one more time: Britney's lookalike could come in handy for outrunning the pesky paparazzi

Britney was reportedly looking for overnight visits with sons Sean Preston, 2, and Jayden James, 1.

Court spokesperson, Allan Parachini confirmed: 'There has been a change in the visitation rights.

'But I am not at liberty to say what exactly the changes are.'

Federline, who also appeared in court, was smartly dressed in a grey suit and a white shirt.

Britney was represented by Laura Wasser, who she recently has been reunited with through her father Jamie Spears.

Jamie sat next to his daughter during the hearing, but did not speak to Britney.

Both parties left the court, apparently smiling, after the two-hour hearing.