Fonda based character on favourite ex-husband

Veteran actress Jane Fonda is grateful for the 10 years she spent with her third ex-husband Ted Turner - because it provided her with the perfect inspiration for her outrageous character Viola in Monster-In-Law.

The Barbarella star, 67, divorced the former media mogul in 2001, but still loves him for his hilarious habit of offending people, a trait she successfully emulated in the hit romantic comedy.

She says: "I based Viola on my favourite ex-husband Ted Turner. I know that sounds weird. But I had the privilege of spending ten years with him. And he was outrageous. Every day with Ted is like: 'Oh my God, I can't believe he just said that or did that.'

"He's the only person I know who had to apologise more than I've had to. And at the same time he's extremely loveable and I had never known anyone like him."