Portia de Rossi believes she and girlfriend Ellen DeGeneres would be "selfish" not to adopt a baby.

The former 'Ally McBeal' star - who has been dating the US chat show host for three years - revealed the couple want to start a family in the future, and are keen to help a child in desperate need of a home.

Portia, 34, said: "There are times when I think I'd be really selfish not to adopt a child. It would be great to share our lives with somebody, a little child that really needs a home.

"But it depends when you ask us. A few months ago, we were thinking about it. I wouldn't want to say never, but at this point, it's not something I think we're going to do."

The couple had previously considered getting a sperm donor, but could not decide who should get pregnant.

Portia said: "We would like to have children some day. Ellen would carry."

But Ellen replied: "That will never happen!"

Portia is currently playing Joely Richardson's girlfriend in hit US plastic surgery drama 'Nip/Tuck', and admits appearing in the series has made her consider getting some cosmetic work done herself.

She said: "It's hard to be against it when you need it. I've never really thought about it, honestly. It certainly wouldn't be right now."