Daniel Bedingfield released from hospital wearing neck brace.

POP STAR Daniel Bedingfield has been released from hospital in New Zealand though his recent near fatal car crash means that he is wearing a cage-like neck brace bolted to his skull. The British-based singer, who has had three number one hits in the UK, suffered head and neck injuries when his four wheel drive vehicle skidded on gravel, rolled over and landed on its roof near Whangarei on North Island. He was trapped insie the crushed wreckage but a friend escaped and raised the alarm.

The singer has three nominations in February's Brit Awards - for best British male artist, British album and pop act. But a spokesman said he would not be well enough to return to London for the ceremony, adding, "he needs to stay in new Zealand to recuperate for at least a couple of months, maybe three."