ELLEN DEGENERES - DEGENERES TRIUMPHS AT DAYTIME EMMYS

Gay funnywoman ELLEN DeGENERES triumphed at the Daytime Emmys yesterday (28APR06) for a second year running, scooping two gongs for her talk show ELLEN. The TV award ceremony, held in Los Angeles for the first time ever, saw DeGeneres collect honours for Best Talk Show and Best Talk Show Host. DeGeneres publicly praised partner PORTIA DE ROSSI when she took to the stage at the legendary Kodak Theatre, declaring, "Portia, I love you." Meanwhile, hit soap opera GENERAL HOSPITAL bagged an impressive nine nods, including Best Daytime Drama, Best Actor for ANTHONY GEARY and Best Directing Team. Cult kids show SESAME STREET won its 25th trophy for Outstanding Pre-school Children's Series. CAROLL SPINNEY, who voices dustbin-dwelling muppet OSCAR THE GROUCH, said, "I would have been happy if we lost." Spinney also won a lifetime achievement award.