Degeneres Strikes Deal With Online Giant

ELLEN DeGENERES has struck a deal with communications giant Aol in a bid to boost the website's visitors and advertising revenue.

Bosses at the company approached Telepictures Productions - which makesthe funnywoman's hit U.S. chat show - to negotiate a deal which will seethe programme's website and Aol share traffic, content and promotions.

Although there is no money involved in the agreement, website bosses are hopeful the partnership will boost online advertising profits.

(MJZN) * CYRUS and SON INVESTIGATE PARANORMAL FOR U.S. REALITY SHOW BILLY RAY CYRUS is returning to the small screen with another one of his offspring - he's teaming up with son Trace for a reality show about conspiracy theories involving paranormal phenomena.

The Achy Breaky Heart hitmaker co-starred on Disney's Hannah Montana alongside his daughter, Miley Cyrus, from 2006 until the series finale earlier this year (10).

And now he's signed a deal with America's Syfy network to star on Ufo Unbelievably Freakin' Obvious, which will see the singer and 21-year-old Trace travelling cross-country to investigate unexplained activity.

The Cyrus patriarch tells Variety, "The existence of paranormal phenomena is something I've always wanted to explore further. Getting the opportunity to take this adventure with my son, who has always had a keen interest in this area, is a dream come true. "I hope this series can shine a light on some of the activities we havequestioned, and the mysteries that have long inspired us". Production on the series pilot is scheduled to begin this autumn (10).