(Cover) - EN Showbiz - Maria Shriver thanked Oprah Winfrey for her support while taping the penultimate episode of her iconic talk show last night.

Earlier yesterday, Maria's estranged husband Arnold Schwarzenegger publicly admitted he fathered a love child over a decade ago. Later, the journalist said she is going through a "painful and heartbreaking" time, and asked for privacy.

Maria is a huge admirer of Oprah, and made a surprise appearance at a recording for the second-to-last episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show last night. The programme has been on screens for 25 years.

"You've given me love, wisdom, and the truth," Maria told Oprah as the talk show host held her hand. Mariah introduced Tyler Perry as the next guest on the show, and then left the stage.

Spies told website TMZ that Oprah backed Maria up and emphasised "the truth", which was taken as a reference to Arnold and caused audience members to applaud.

Oprah was busy yesterday as she taped the third-and-second to-last episodes of her iconic programme at the United Center in Chicago.

A host of A-listers including Madonna, Beyonc Knowles, Halle Berry, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes all went to wish the presenter farewell.

The two shows are set to air on May 23 and 24, with the final episode, not yet recorded, hitting screens on May 25.

Actor Tom Hanks was master of ceremonies for last night's proceedings, and told Oprah "you are surrounded by nothing but love" before showing a clip of viewers discussing how important the show has been for them.

Oprah was clearly touched throughout the evening, and told the audience at one point how much they meant to her.

"I feel the love, and I thank you for it," she said. (C) Cover Media