Downed by the flu bug, Hollywood talk show chatterbox Ellen DeGeneres has decided to defer what could have been her first trip to Australia, land of birth of her partner, actress Portia DeRossi.

But staff over at her The Ellen DeGeneres show said it is only a postponement until Ms DeGeneres recovers fully well and get her bearings back.

The Emmy winning host and Ms DeRossi were supposed to board a flight from Los Angeles to Australia today but the Hollywood star begged off because she is too sick to travel.

"The Ellen DeGeneres Show will delay its arrival into Australia by a few days while Ellen recovers from the flu," a spokesperson from Warner Bros.

"Ellen will meet her fans in Sydney later next week, and will then head to Melbourne. More announcements about the trip will be made in coming days."

Ms DeGeneres announced the Australian trip on her show last January to a screaming audience.

The trip was being organized by SWISSE, an Australian vitamin company. When Ms DeGeneres announced her trip on her show, fellow Swisse "global ambassador" and actress Nicole Kidman was around to support her.

Ms DeGeneres and Ms DeRossi were expected to arrive in Australia on Sunday. But because of flu bug condition, both are expected in Sydney at the end of next week.

"Ellen will meet her fans in Sydney later next week, and will then come to Melbourne.

"More announcements about the trip will be made in coming days."