The couple as well as Ms DeGeneres' character in sitcom Ellen came out as lesbians last year and now they say the Hollywood establishment has turned against them.

"We've quit our agents, let go of our publicist. We're selling our house and leaving town," DeGeneres told the Los Angeles Times.

Although the episode in which Ellen came out attracted worldwide attention, the show was cancelled by ABC earlier this year following poor ratings.

"I know everyone is going to say that our leaving is just another bid for attention, but what we've found is that this is a very hard town to be truthful in," she added.

While Heche stars in the forthcoming remake of Psycho, and DeGeneres appears in three new films, they say studios are unwilling to cast them in new projects.

"Well, I can't say the offers are pouring in," said Heche.

Simon video evidence blocked

Paul Simon: Court may travel to the US to hear him

Musician Paul Simon will not be allowed to testify via video in the fraud trial of anti-apartheid activist Allan Boesak, a South African judge has ruled.

Simon had said his workload prevented him from travelling to South Africa, but agreed to testify against Boesak via telephone or video from New York City.

Simon donated 600,000 rand to Boesak's Foundation for Peace and Justice Charity in 1988.

Boesak, 52, is alleged to have stolen nearly 260,000 rand of Simon's donation, which was meant to have helped young victims of apartheid. He denies 32 theft and fraud charges against him.

In Cape Town, Judge John Foxcroft said allowing Simon to testify from New York would lead to an unfair trial, but added later he was considering making a personal appeal to Simon to come to Cape Town.

The court could also travel to the United States to hear his evidence.

Online choice for awards

Barbra Streisand: Up for the People's Choice

Alan Alda, Harrison Ford and Barbra Streisand are among the nominees in three new Internet-voting categories for America's People's Choice Awards.

Organisers have added All-Time Favourite prizes for TV, movies and music to mark the awards' 25th annivesary.

Internet users will be able to decide who wins in the categories, with the nominations chosen by a national opinion poll.

Nominees in regular categories include Dawson's Creek, There's Something About Mary and Titanic co-stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. The awards take place on January 10.

Stewart's uniform on show

James Stewart in It's A Wonderful Life

A World War II air force uniform belonging to Hollywood legend James Stewart is to go on display at the Duxford Imperial War Museum near Cambridge.

The star of It's A Wonderful Life was already an Oscar-winner when he flew 20 combat missions as an airman based at Tibenham, Norfolk.

He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the French Croix de Guerre for his efforts.

The uniform was donated by the late actor's family.

Meanwhile, a dress worn by Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe will be among key post-war cultural icons at a major exhibition at the musuem's main London site next year.

From The Bomb To The Beatles, which opens in March, will also include one of Cliff Richard's guitars and John Steed's bowler hat from The Avengers.

Duchess for pantomime performance

The Duchess of York: Attending pantomime with her daughters

The Duchess of York and her children will be the guests of honour at a star-filled charity pantomime to raise money for needy children this weekend.

Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie will attend a one-off performance of Santa's Starry Night at London's Theatre Royal, Drury Lane in aid of Children In Crisis.

Birds of a Feather stars Pauline Quirke, Linda Robson and Lesley Joseph star as the Ugly Sisters and the Wicked Queen.

Other big names taking part include TV presenter Anthea Turner and former athlete Kriss Akabusi.

MacLaine to receive Berlin prize

Hollywood star Shirley MacLaine is to receive the Golden Bear award for lifetime achievement at the Berlin Film Festival next year.

Festival director Moritz de Hadeln praised 64-year-old MacLaine's "extraordinary versatility" and said the actress embodies Hollywood glamour.

Being There, the 1979 hit in which she starred alongside Peter Sellers, will be among her films being shown at the festival which runs from February 10 to 21.