Australian pop star Kylie Minogue is planning a radical shift in direction that she hopes will end with an Oscar to go with her gold discs.

After 20 years at the top of the music charts, the songbird, who's currently in Australia, is turning her back on music and returning to full-time acting.

And typical of her all-action approach, Kylie hasn't wasted any time finding her first major role.

Last week she was putting the final touches on a deal with popular TV series Doctor Who.

Kylie, 39, has already made a guest appearance as the doctor's assistant in a holiday special. And even before the episode screened, producers were rushing to secure her signature
as a regular on the series.

Then Kylie's performance received rave reviews from critics and fans alike, making producers up their efforts - and their offer - presenting her with a deal too good to refuse.

'Kylie's been through a heck of a lot in the past few years - beating cancer, her relationship with Olivier Martinez, recording the new album and, of course, her tour,' a close friend confides to New Idea. 'This is a chance to do something totally new and it seems to have energised her.

'After going through what she did with cancer, Kylie made a vow not to waste a moment of her life and not to ever put a ceiling on her dreams. Now her dream is to become a movie star!'

For some time Kylie has told friends and family she feels
she's achieved everything she can in the music industry. And watching Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Hudson win Oscars for musical performances in the past has left her with only one thought: 'I can do that!'

This is because Kylie first found fame as an actress, playing Charlene Mitchell on Neighbours. Since then she has appeared
as the Green Fairy in Moulin Rouge! and provided the voice of Florence in the children's film The Magic Roundabout.

But, until now, Kylie's focus has been on topping the music charts rather than setting box-office records. So this transition marks the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Kylie has told her agents she wants to tackle varied projects. She'll consider musicals, but she doesn't want them to be her only focus.

A producer who's had an informal meeting with Kylie says: 'I was very surprised by how serious she was, and her intelligent questions. Usually when I talk to pop stars who want to break into films, I find intellect isn't their strong point. But Kylie is sharp as a tack and committed to doing good work on testing projects.

'She made it clear she's in this for the long haul, and she wants to earn the respect of the acting community and movie industry as a whole.'

And the producer thinks she will enjoy major success. 'If she combines her profile and good looks with her can-do attitude, she'll become a big star,' he says. 'So don't be surprised to see her at the Oscars instead of the Grammys in the next few years!'