Madonna is reportedly set to start a campaign to help single parents adopt.

The singer and then-husband Guy Ritchie successfully adopted son David from Malawi in 2006 - but her latest request to adopt a child from the country, three year old Mercy James, was denied last month. The judge overseeing the case cited Madonna’s failure to meet the country’s residency requirement as the reason for the surprising refusal but with the case being appealed this week, Madonna is said to be worried her split from Guy last October has played a part.

A source told the Sun: “If she fails on the grounds of her divorce she will be absolutely livid.

“Madonna has always been a tough independent woman and is now, more than ever, of the opinion that she doesn’t need a man for anything in her life.

“If she falls at the last hurdle because of her marital status, it will be hard to swallow. She is already talking about starting a campaign for single mums to be allowed to adopt the world over.

“She believes if you have love to offer, the fact you are divorced, widowed or unmarried should not be seen as a barrier.”

The appeal was adjourned on Monday to give the star’s lawyers more time to examine new documents. A result is expected within a fortnight.