Lady Gaga has taken time to thank her UK fans after her new single was released in the country.

The singer unleashed 'Applause' worldwide on Monday (August 12) and it looks set to challenge for the top spot in the UK singles chart.

Speaking on Twitter, Gaga praised her British fans and expressed her delight at headlining the iTunes Festival in London on September 1. She said:

"UK monsters thank you so much! I'm so happy to be climbing your charts again, can't wait to see u LIVE kisses from across the pond! Cheers!"

The 'ARTPOP' singer meanwhile has starred in some newly released photos from her recent V Magazine shoot.

They see Gaga go topless and bare her breasts for the camera - click here to see the revealing shots.