Selena Gomez has shelved a series of dates in Australia to focus on making herself a 'better person'.

The US star made the shock announcement overnight in a statement to People magazine, with dates across the country in February affected.

The reasoning behind the cancellations is that Gomez wants to spend more time on herself following years of "putting work first".

She said: "My fans are so important to me and I would never want to disappoint them. But it has become clear to me and those close to me that after many years of putting my work first, I need to spend some time on myself in order to be the best person I can be."

Gomez added: "To my fans, I sincerely apologise and I hope you guys know how much each and every one of you mean to me."

The singer and actress has enjoyed a successful 2013 so far, with the release of the album 'Stars Dance' a particular highlight.