SHOCK FALLING OUT!

They’ve been famously close friends for nearly five decades, but it seems Oprah Winfrey’s latest project is driving what could be a fatal wedge between her and bestie Gayle King!

While Oprah is busy working with Hollywood powerhouses Steven Spielberg and Quincy Jones for the musical remake of The Color Purple in her role as producer, it’s her increasingly close relationship with one of its stars, Taraji P. Henson, that has Gayle feeling left out.

An insider reveals how Oprah, who played Sofia in the original 1985 movie, has become a trusted mentor to Taraji, who is playing Shug Avery in the remake.

“Oprah and Taraji have hit it off. She’s become Oprah’s new ‘muse’ and Gayle’s nose is out of joint,” says the source. “All of a sudden, Oprah wants to include Taraji and it’s really upsetting her.”

Over the years, Oprah and Gayle have been supportive of each other.

”Whatever this friendship is, it’s been a very fun ride,” Oprah said in 2006.

Gayle is feeling left out because her longtime friend, Oprah, has a new pal!

Oprah was nominated for an Oscar for playing Sofia.