Madonna's nanny hell

Mar 24, 2007, 12:00 GMT

03/13/2007 - Madonna - H and M Fashion Show at the Langham Hotel - Langham Hotel - London, England © Solarpix / Photorazzi

Madonna is close to breaking point following her former nanny's tell-all threat.

The singer was left devastated after learning Melissa Dumas, who worked for her between 2005 and 2006, was planning to write an explosive book about Madonna and husband Guy Ritchie.

Madonna's friends say she "went through hell" at the thought of details about her private life - including her phobias, complaints, the behaviour of her children Lourdes and Rocco, and the adoption of Malawi orphan David Banda - being published.

A source revealed to Britain's Grazia magazine: "She is completely expecting the worst. Melissa lived with them and worked with them for a year, there is no telling what she has seen, witnessed and heard. There are things that have gone on in private between Guy and Madonna, if made public, would become too hard to deal with.

"Who can say what this woman is writing is the truth or wildly exaggerated? This is what's killing Madonna - that the woman she trusted with her children could have the power to ruin her marriage and her life. It's the ultimate betrayal."

Crown Publishing has since reportedly pulled out of the deal, which was said to be worth up to $5 million.

(C) BANG Media International