Kylie doubles earnings in year off

Kylie Minogue almost doubled her earnings in the year she took off to battle breast cancer, it has been revealed.

The singer made £4.5 million in 2005 despite taking a step back from her public appearances, almost double of what she earned in the previous tax year.

According to the accounts of her company Darenote, Minogue took £1.85 million in salary, £42,366 in expenses and £2.63 million from other earnings.

The 'Spinning Around' hitmaker was diagnosed with breast cancer in May 2005 and cancelled her worldwide Showgirl tour in order to recover.

A financial expert said: "It is testimony to her amazing popularity that her finances remained in such good shape despite the well-publicised problems with her health."