Katy Perry has spoken about her relationship with Russell Brand – and revealed that the couple have a “special thing” together.

The singer, who began dating the British comedian in September, said their different backgrounds helped their romance.

"The wonderful thing is we both have our own kind of separate talents, careers and lives and we really respect each other," she told the BBC.

"I think that's really important... (But) we like to kind of keep this as our special thing."

Katy Perry poses ahead of tonight's MTV Europe Music Awards in Berlin.

Perry, who is hosting tonight's MTV Europe Music Awards in Berlin, also said she was not surprised by the media's interest in their relationship.

“We both equally get our fair share, so if you put the two of us together then maybe it will multiply," she said.

A host of stars, including Coldplay, Leona Lewis and Kings of Leon, are nominated for awards tonight. 

Katy Perry - Style Guide