KIRSTIE ALLEY - ALLEY SIGNED UP BY WINFREY FOR TV PROJECTS

Actress KIRSTIE ALLEY has signed a deal with superstar talk show host OPRAH WINFREY's media empire to develop a series of TV projects - and may even star in her own daily programme. The Cheers star was a hit with Winfrey's Harpo production company executives after she appeared on the show in a bikini to show off her dramatic 75 lbs (34 kg) weight-loss in 2006. The 57-year-old, who recently quit her role as official spokeswoman for Jenny Craig's weight-loss programme, is excited by the venture, stating she hopes to "offer something totally fresh for the television audience." Tim Bennet, president of Harpo Productions, says, "Kirstie is a tremendous talent who is incredibly relatable and a true fan favourite."