Chris and Billie head for the Hills

Chris Evans and his teenage wife Billie Piper are ready to leave Britain for America.

The 35-year-old TV presenter has bought a £2 million house in Beverly Hills, with a spectacular view over Los Angeles, and says he plans to live there. Evans, whose properties already include a £6 million house in Surrey and a villa in Portugal, said: "We wanted somewhere with a great view. This is the best place to find a good home in LA.

"We looked at several houses but went back to one a few times and decided it was what we wanted. This town's great. The weather's good and the people are nice. There isn't any other place like it. Who wouldn't want to live here?"

His personal fortune is estimated at £50 million, which he amassed from his company Ginger Productions, his shares in Virgin Radio and presenting jobs. Since he was sacked by Virgin for regularly failing to appear on his breakfast show he has shown little desire to return to work. His 19-yearold pop singer wife has shown little interest in recording any new tracks.

A source said today: "They have fallen in love with Los Angeles and plan to make it their permanent home."