Daily progamme to launch in 2003

Ellen DeGeneres is to become a talk-show host.

The sitcom star and stand-up comedian is to front a daily, hour-long show from autumn 2003.

She has signed a deal with Telepictures, producers of America's successful Rosie O'Donnell Show to present the programme from Los Angeles.

The programme-maker's president, Jim Paratore, told Variety: "Ellen's name came up when she did some guest work on Rosie's show. She was natural and funny.

"It was something we were thinking about, and something she was thinking about independently, so it was a little bit of kismet.

"To have someone of Ellen's stature is a coup for us. She's known, audiences like her; she's a major talent that will bring a unique point of view, a sense of humour and big stars in a way we haven't seen in a while."

But the deal depends on what happens to her current sitcom The Ellen Show, dropped from the schedules earlier this year.

It was well-received, but ratings were disappointing, and an official decision on its future is due next month.

Published: 12 Apr 2002