Singing sensation Susan Boyle has revealed she was the happiest she had ever been after her "brilliant year".
The Britain's Got Talent runner-up - whose album I Dreamed A Dream is poised to be the UK's top seller this year - said her success was "humbling" and she was looking forward to 2010.
Her CD has sold more than 1.4 million copies in the UK alone, overtaking the likes of pop act Lady Gaga, rockers Kings of Leon and crooner Michael Buble.
Spinster Boyle told the Daily Mirror: "The album being so well received is humbling and I'm so grateful.
"It's been an absolutely brilliant year and I can't thank everyone enough for the support I've been given, not only here but around the world. I am the happiest I have ever been and truly enjoying myself."
The Scottish church worker from Blackburn in West Lothian was an unknown at the start of this year, but her audition on the ITV1 talent show became an internet sensation and helped transform her into an international star.
Her rendition of I Dreamed A Dream from the musical Les Miserables on the television show was watched more than 120 million times by viewers across the world.
She now counts actress Demi Moore and her heroine, singer Elaine Page, among her fans.
Boyle, 48, said she would be spending Christmas with her family and close friends, adding that it would be a "quiet time for reflection".
Her album went straight to number one in the charts, and achieved the best first week's sale for a debut. It has also sold nearly 2.5 million copies in the US. The singer is also in line for the title of 2009 Scot of the Year, along with the likes of Hollywood actor Gerard Butler.
