Kidman named as 'most over-paid celebrity'

Nicole Kidman has topped a list of the most over-paid celebrities compiled by a US magazine.

The flame-haired actress was given the dubious honour by Forbes, which compiled a bankability list based on dividing the total earnings of an actor's last three films by the gross income to get the star's payback total.

Kidman is reported to bring in only $1 (54p) for every dollar she is paid, compared to the $8 (£4.32) she brought in for her films last year.

Jennifer Garner came second in the list, while Kidman's ex-husband Tom Cruise ranked third.

Will Ferrell, Cameron Diaz and Jim Carrey also featured in the bankability list, in news which may surprise moviegoers.

"Despite winning an Oscar for her performance in 2002's The Hours, Kidman has become the most overpaid celebrity in Hollywood," the publication stated.

Kidman's next film is to be Australia, directed by Baz Luhrmann, which will be released in November this year.

The news is reminiscent of a survey the magazine reported in April 2008, which was carried out by E-Poll market research in a bid to find the most over-exposed celebrity.

Heiress and Simple Life star Paris Hilton topped this particular list, beating Britney Spears to second place.