Cilmi "proud" of avoiding Aussie soaps

Gabriella Cilmi has revealed that she is "proud" to have found fame without the help of a soap role.

The singer claimed that she would never have followed in the footsteps of her fellow Aussies Kylie Minogue and Natalie Imbruglia by starting out on Neighbours.

"I'm very proud of the fact that I didn't come from a soap," Cilmi told the Daily Record. "Everyone swears they've seen me on Neighbours or Home And Away, but I've never done them. I watch them and like them but can't see myself acting."

Despite receiving international recognition for her debut single 'Sweet About Me' and album Lessons To Be Learned, the 16-year-old has decided to play it safe by continuing with her studies.

"I am studying by correspondence. It's pretty hard when you're travelling to keep track of what you're doing, but when I have free moments I can catch up," she explained.

"I've always said that if things didn't work out with the singing, I'd be a museum tour guide. I get very excited about museums and loved the Native American Room in the British Museum. It's cool."