Kylie Minogue says she’s “surprised as she’s honoured” after learning she will be awarded the OBE.

The Australian native added she was “deeply touched” by her inclusion in the Queen’s New Year Honours List after battling back to full health in 2007 after beating cancer.

The actress turned singer, speaking from her family’s Melbourne home, commented after hearing the happy news, " I am almost as surprised as I am honoured. I feel deeply touched to be acknowledged by the UK, my adopted home, in this way.

“This last year I have felt so much love and support from everyone as I took greater steps back into the public domain, and it is with absolute gratitude and joy that I say farewell to 2007 and look forward to what the New Year will bring.”