One of the most beautiful and talented women in pop, Australian diva Natalie Imbruglia is also something of an enigma. Despite a meteoric rise to fame and fortune, the 26-year-old former Neighbours star turned pop sensation lives alone in a picture-postcard, L1.5 million Spanish-style villa on a secluded island on the Thames near Windsor Castle.

It’s a far cry from the whirlwind of parties, premieres and eligible men that featured in her social life just a few years ago. But she insists she has no regrets. “I’m fine with that. I get lonely, but at the same time I like the solitude,” explains the singer, whose latest album White Lilies Island, out this week, is named after her idyllic hideaway.

“It’s strange, but I think the loneliness is a different kind of loneliness. I'm quite happy to live on my own and I prefer it,” she confides in a rare interview.

For almost two years, Natalie has shunned the limelight to pen songs for her long overdue second album, holed up with only her dog Charlie for company.

For the full interview with Natalie Imbruglia, see this week’s HELLO! magazine, on sale now.