Ledger purchases DeGeneres' house

In a bid to escape the paparazzi's prying eyes, Heath Ledger and his partner Michelle Williams have bought a $2.3m (€1.8m) Hollywood house once owned by talkshow host Ellen DeGeneres.

But while the mansion - dubbed the Treehouse - is set back from the street, walled and gated, there is little doubt local photographers are familiar with the neighbourhood, which is home to Tinseltown's A-list.

High-profile stars Kirsten Dunst and Matthew McConaughey reside nearby - and comedian Will Ferrell rents the adjoining lot.

The couple's recent real estate acquisition may explain their new friendship with Ellen DeGeneres and her girlfriend Portia De Rossi. Both were guests at Michelle and Heath's recent housewarming party.