Portia de Rossi admits Ellen DeGeneres is a bigger hit with their fans.

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi

Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi

The 42-year-old actress, who has been married to the chat show host since 2008, says she had no qualms about playing a villain in 'Scandal' because most people think she's one in real life.

She said: "When I'm out with Ellen, fans come up to us and say, 'Oh, my God, Ellen, you're an angel.' And then they look at me and go, 'And you're horrible!' It's funny."

The blonde beauty plays manipulate White House chief of staff Elizabeth North on the TV series and was thrilled when she landed the part.

She told Us Weekly: "I was a fan for years! I get to work in the Oval and have scenes with Fitz [Tony Goldwyn]. He yells at me, and I'm like, 'It's pretty darn cool as a fan - and an actress.'"

The actress struggles not to give up spoilers to her wife.

She said: "I had a hard time keeping things to myself last year. She was like, 'Please don't tell me!' But then I kind of spilled it anyway. She got really angry."

Despite thinking her character is "pretty shady", Portia wishes she were more like Elizabeth.

She explained: "I would like some of her ambition, which I'm lacking these days because I'm too happy!"