24 DECEMBER 2004

It doesn't look as though Kylie Minogue will be "home for Christmas" this year, but she won't be singing the holiday blues either. The pop diva has been hired to perform at a special Christmas day performance for some of Russia's wealthiest people.

The exclusive gig isn't exactly going for a song either, as the 36-year-old will net a cool £500,000 for her appearance. Kylie and her band will perform a set of her favourites for 500 of Russia's biggest players, including Chelsea football club owner Roman Abramovich.

The Slow chanteuse has further reason to celebrate this holiday season: calendar makers Danilo have announced that her 2005 calendar this year's biggest seller, making her Britain's official calendar babe. Kylie managed to beat out such luminaries as Robbie Williams, Britney Spears and David Beckham for this year's coveted pin-up prize.