Oprah Winfrey is one of US TV's highest paid women

She is one of 300 prospective jurors who will report to Cook County Court on Monday to hear criminal trials.

Officials said that although she will not get special treatment she will be allowed to use a separate entrance to avoid disruption.

Whether on not she is chosen to sit on a jury, millionaire Winfrey will get the standard $17.20 (�9.33) fee.

"Obviously, due to her popularity and her status, there is the potential - if she would come in the front public way - to cause a commotion, confusion or a possible security issue," a court spokeswoman said.

"It's in our best interests, and hers, that she be brought in in as relatively calm and quiet a fashion as possible so she can perform her duties."

Extended deal

Winfrey, 50, is one of the highest paid women on television thanks to her hugely successful talk show, which is syndicated around the world.

She has recently signed a new deal to keep The Oprah Winfrey Show on TV until 2011, ensuring it will reach a 25-year milestone.

She had hinted that she would bow out in 2006 but decided to extend her contract after ratings were boosted.