Britney sees self as role model

London — Britney Spears insists she is a role model for young girls despite recent revealing magazine covers and her new album with sexually explicit lyrics, the British Broadcasting Corp. said.

In a radio interview broadcast Monday, the 21-year-old pop star said parents should not be worried if their children want to copy her, the BBC said.

“I probably have more older fans than the younger ones, but I think the reason why everyone talks about the younger fans so much is because the parents are concerned. And in the end they shouldn’t be concerned because they should trust their kids and believe in their kids,” Spears was quoted as saying.

The BBC said she defended recent magazine photos, saying, “I’ve just recently done some covers that are a little bit explicit and sexy. And a lot of people do think this is very overexplicit, but that’s their opinion.”

Wedding No. 2 at risk

New York — Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez have reportedly fallen out over plans for their second attempt at getting married, reports IMBD.com.

After an attempt to tie the knot in September in Santa Barbara, Calif., the couple have been busily preparing a second, more low-profile ceremony, thought to be taking place next month in New York. But the tension seems to be getting to them.

A source close to the couple says, “They had a big fight last weekend. Ben moved out to a hotel.”

Affleck reportedly demanded that the first wedding be canceled because he wanted a less starry ceremony, and sources close to the couple say the New York nuptials will be more toned down.

Pink Panther returns

Los Angeles — Steve Martin, whose films have ranged from “The Jerk” to “Father of the Bride,” is now stepping up to play bumbling Inspector Clouseau in an MGM remake of “The Pink Panther.”

Martin’s decision to take the part has been confirmed by MGM executive Chris McGurk, according to The Hollywood Reporter. McGurk, vice chairman and chief operating officer, made his statement Thursday night at a studio open house.

The original production and four sequels starred Peter Sellers as the inept French detective who tracks down jewel thieves.

Ivan Reitman is the movie’s producer and director.

Reagan movie rescheuled

New York — Showtime will air “The Reagans,” the made-for-TV movie that CBS scuttled, on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.

Fans of the former president, accusing CBS of distorting Ronald Reagan’s legacy while he’s sick with Alzheimer’s disease, had mounted a furious protest. CBS denied it was bowing to pressure in handing off the project to Showtime, but said producers made a film that crossed the line into advocacy.

The movie, which was to air over two prime-time nights on CBS, would be shown commercial-free in one sitting — at 7 p.m. EST Nov. 30 — and will last about three hours. Showtime will air a panel discussion about the movie with people familiar with Reagan’s presidency the following night.