Liza: My David is not gay

Liza Minnelli and her new husband David Gest today shrugged off claims that he is gay.

The couple were interviewed by US television presenter Larry King hours before they flew into London for their honeymoon.

King asked Minnelli about "rumours that you marry gay men". She replied: "I've learned not to pay attention. He is very special, he is a very caring person."

Later the previously unmarried Gest, 48, who became Minnelli's fourth husband in a glittering New York wedding last weekend, was asked directly about questions raised about his sexuality, including remarks by Elton John that Gest set off his "Gay-dar".

King asked Gest: "Do you resent the stories? Does it bother you?"

Gest said: "I guess it sells papers. I mean, I know who I am. That's the most important thing. We are going to beat the odds. We'll die in each others arms, I promise you."

Minnelli, who laughed nervously through much of the interview, was asked about reports that she hoped to adopt up to four children.

She called the decision "very personal," but said: "When you have been through a lot and learned something along the way, the least you can do is pass it on to an innocent child who has lost its parents.''

The couple arrived at Heathrow on Concorde last night. As they walked arm in arm through the arrivals lounge Gest said: "Married life is simply wonderful."