Lesbian rumours , Binge drinking & overdose claims

The talk-show queen's darkest secrets could be spilled by her long-time best friendGayle King in a new $10 million tell-all book, shattering their friendship forever

Publishing insiders say Oprah's best friendhas her pen poised to write an explosive tell-allin a deal that could earn Gayle $ 10 miliion.

With TV host Gayle's career on the rise andOprah, 5 8, struggling to keep her beleagueredOprah Winfrey Network - which is running ata reported $300 million loss - afloat, tensionbetnzeen the pair is at breaking point.

"Publishers are hoping that with herdesire to stay at the pinnacle of fame,Gayle will agree lo wrilewhat I hey are cerlainwill be an instant best-seller," an industryinsider tells US .

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add to Gayle's fame, you've got to believe that'swhat she'll do."

The source believes the blockbuster could becrammed with scandalous material. Amongthe more explosive suggestions reported in theEnquirer are stunning claims about Oprahhaving an overdose, her rehab secret, claims ofher out-of-control drinhing binges - and thetruth about her relationship with Gayle.

Rumours that the pair were secretlycarrying on a lesbian affair have been floating

j around Hollywood for years, although OprahI has always denied the claims.L "tt Gavle were to admit in a memoir that she

i ana Opran nad carried on a lesbian affair, itwould change the public view of Oprah, not tomention make [Oprah's long-time partner]Stedman Iool< foo11sh, " savs the insider.

"oprah and Gayle have lived together, rvorn "The public sees one face oI oprah, buteach other's clothes and discussed everything Gayle sees the whole picture - particularlyfrom sex to kids to flnances - Gayle is her soul when it comes to Oprah's drinking, " claims themate, " the insider adds. insider. 'And as her netrvorir's ratings drop, the

The source claims that Gayle, 5 7, is also drinking is getting out of hand.the one person who knows the true extent of "The tales of Oprah's adventures with boozeoprah's out-of-control booze habits. will be solid gold for some publisher. "

With long-standing rumours thatGayle's more than a friend, any tell-all

would be a surefire best-seller and. make Gayle rich, but at what cost?

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or years, Gayle Ifing was the one

ilt.t .. womanOprahWinfreyknewshei,,i' ' ' ,'tt could trust. But with their famously

, I ciose relationship said to be fraying

,i,,:. ,,.,. at the edges, it appears that trustmay be shattered for good.