Whoopi Goldberg has declined an invitation to visit the home of her ancestors because of her fear of flying. The Hollywood star - who has not been on an airplane in over 20 years - recently had her DNA tested to trace her African roots and found she was descended from two tribes in the small state of Guinea-Bissau, western Africa.

But despite receiving an official letter from their tourism ministry - addressed to "Your excellency Hoppy Goldberg" - she cannot overcome her phobia.

The comic's spokesman last month confirmed Goldberg had no plans to visit Africa in the wake of her ancestral discovery, even by boat.