London (IANS): Pop diva Madonna has promised not to leave Britain for good despite the collapse of her marriage with British director Guy Ritchie.

The singer, 50, had been expected to move to New York with their children full-time once the divorce was finalised, reports mirror.co.uk. But Ritchie, 40, believes the kids Lourdes, 12, Rocco, 7, and two-year-old David should remain in Britain.

Madonna has had a change of heart and will continue to maintain a home in London, allowing Ritchie regular contact with them. "Everyone expected Madonna to up sticks and go and live in New York - taking the children with her. But despite some of the unhappy memories that London holds, she still feels that it's the best base for the kids, said a source.

The source added: They are very happy at their school and she doesn't want anything to interfere with that. Madonna was planning to leave and make a fresh start abroad. But London still has a massive hold on her and it's hard to just shake off.