Kylie Minogue has opened up about the potential of not having children with her husband-to-be, and revealed that she finds thinking about her potential offspring “saddening”.

The 48-year-old Australian pop icon is engaged to British actor Joshua Sassa, 29, and they have previously expressed a desire to have a family.

In an interview with The Sunday Times Magazine, Kylie was asked if having children is something she and Joshua are serious about.

She said: “Well, as time goes by that becomes a different kettle of fish.”

The Spinning Around hitmaker then discussed how being told about possible options such as adoption was infuriating for her when she was diagnosed with cancer over 10 years ago.

She said: “When cancer strikes, you have to consider all of that. Trust me, there’s a point when the next person who says, ‘Well, there are many options,’ you want to scream. Of course, it’s great there are options. It’s marvellous there are options.

“But when you’re dealing with all the other stuff and things that you took for granted are taken away from you, it’s like, yes, there are options, but…”

“But I have three nephews who I am crazy about, so I’m good at being an auntie.”

Kylie added: “I guess you have those visions of, God, what would my child look like, be it a boy or a girl? What would I see of myself in them?

“That’s saddening, but I’ve thought about it for a long time and I’ve had to face that for a long time.”

Kylie was 37 when, in 2005, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a partial mastectomy and has now been given the all-clear.

In February, Kylie and Joshua revealed their engagement with an announcement in The Daily Telegraph, although they have since said they will not tie the knot until same-sex marriage is legalised in Australia.