Obviously as a couple they value their privacy, hence their decision to head for Yatai, one of the more glamorous restaurants in West Hollywood, where they were sure to be noticed and fawned over. All was going beautifully between the pair, the lighting was good, the food above excellent and no trace of Justin's music in the background. The perfect romantic evening.

Until Britney Spears walked in. Justin's ex, lest we forget.

According to eyewitnesses Timberlake and Biel sank down so low in their chairs that they were able to read the maker's mark on the bottom of the crockery as they waited for Britney to be seated. There's obviously a maitre d' with a sense of humour out there (I've never come across one - though I do eat exclusively at Greggs) as Britney was shown to a table a knife's toss away from the horrified pair.

Britney acted as though she had absolutely no idea that Timberlake and Biel were even in the same city, never mind the same restaurant and began to nonchalantly flick through the menu. At the same time Timberlake's back began to creak under the pressure of resting his sexyback mostly under the table, while Biel immediately ordered the tallest items on the menu so she could hide behind the stacks of waffles and vertical ostrich roast.

Sadly Britney left after half an hour without any confrontation taking place, leaving most people in the restaurant waiting for Ashton Kutcher to appear and declare that Timberlake had been royally 'Punk'd!' But no Ashton arrived, meaning that this was just one of those delightful co-incidences that occasionally occur to embarrass self-loving celebrities. Unless Britney's a whole lot saner than everyone thought and has grown a sly sense of humour?