Talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is the proud owner of former child star Gary Coleman's sweatpants, after putting in a $500 bid for the autographed item in an internet auction.

Kimmel initially sparked interest in the eBay auction on January 10, when he entered a bid of $80 for the Gap Kids pants.

But the TV presenter was soon outbid and his last offer of $500 was only accepted after payment on another buyer's final bid of $400,000 was never made.

However, in a bizarre twist, it is claimed that Coleman was in fact the other bidder, calling himself "brassonline" - although he has yet to respond to the allegations.

Coleman shot to fame in U.S. sitcom Diff'rent Strokes at the age of 10, but has only managed to land bit parts ever since the TV show ended in 1986.

And the now 39-year-old - who commanded $70,000 an episode at the height of his fame - is said to have resorted to selling his possessions online in an alleged bid to cover expenses for dialysis treatment following his two kidney transplant operations.

(This news article provided by World Entertainment News Network)