Still reeling from the abuse scandal in her South African school - Oprah has turned to Dr Phil for emotional support. They have been burning up the phone line for hours-at-a-time counseling sessions.

"I think she was absolutely devastated by what took place there. It absolutely destroyed her," Dr Phil has confirmed.

But friends say Oprah's constant neediness has caused Dr Phil's exasperated wife, Robin, to liken her to the "other woman" in their marriage.

"It seems like when Phil isn't working, he's on the phone to her," she told friends.