Nicole Kidman has opened up about her ''really hard'' year.

The 'Paddington' star - whose father, Dr Antony Kidman, died suddenly of a heart attack in August - admitted that the ''massive tragedy'' had a big effect on her.

She said: ''Personally [it's been] really really really hard. My family underwent a massive tragedy. So not my favourite year.

''But I try not to be ungrateful - I'm grateful to be alive.''

The 47-year-old actress also revealed she would be spending more time at home in Sydney, Australia with her family.

She shared to the Australian version of The Guardian newspaper: ''We've gone through a really tough time this year as a family.

''It's so nice to be able to take care of each other.''

Previously, Nicole revealed that she saw lots of similarities between her late father and her husband, Keith Urban.

She recently said: ''I lost my father, which is a devastating thing for my family and myself right now.

''Keith and my dad - good men. Choosing to protect his family and take care of himself, but take care of his daughters, and walk the walk, if that makes sense, not just talk the talk ...

''I'm lucky to have a rock of a husband and a strong faith. I have both those things.''