Ellen DeGeneres the 68-year-old comedian and former daytime-talk-show host, appeared as a guest on The Graham Norton Show on Friday. During the light-hearted interview she confessed that, despite the charms of her rural English surroundings, she feels a genuine void where the studio lights once burned.
The veteran entertainer explained that the lack of a regular broadcast schedule has left her with “nothing really going on” and that she constantly thinks about returning to the environment where she could laugh with writers and interact with a live audience.
Missing the TV studio: Ellen’s confession on The Graham Norton Show
On the talk-show, Ellen joked that the British television landscape is brimming with niche programmes – from pottery contests to sewing challenges and even a meta-show about people watching TV. She referenced titles like The Great Pottery ThrowdownThe Great British Sewing Bee and Googlebox highlighting how easy it seems to find a new slot on UK screens.
Nevertheless, she stressed that the core of her longing is not just the job itself but the collaborative atmosphere. “I miss laughing with the writers and the audience,” she said, emphasizing the camaraderie that defined her former daily routine. The phrase studio audience was repeated as a nostalgic anchor, underscoring how the live reaction of viewers fueled her comedic timing.
From Los Angeles to the Cotswolds: why Ellen relocated
Two years ago Ellen and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi left Los Angeles and settled in the picturesque Cotswolds. The move was triggered by a combination of political unease following former President Donald Trump‘s re-election and the fallout from a series of workplace allegations that had plagued The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
In 2020, former staff members accused the program of fostering a toxic workplace environment marked by racism, fear, and intimidation. Ellen publicly apologized, acknowledging that “things happened here that never should’ve happened” and promising substantial changes before the show concluded after a ten-year run.
Since arriving in the UK, Ellen has praised the country’s treatment of animals, the politeness of its people, and the visual beauty of its villages and historic architecture. She described the surroundings as “absolutely beautiful” and noted that the slower pace offers a “simpler way of life” compared to the relentless grind of American television production.
While largely keeping a low profile, Ellen has been spotted enjoying the company of fellow expatriates, most notably former Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle. The two were photographed sharing conversation at the Three Horseshoes inn near Burford, Oxfordshire, accompanied by Portia de Rossi.
Although she has not announced any concrete plans for a new series, Ellen hinted that the UK market could provide a straightforward path back onto television. “It is pretty easy to get on TV here,” she remarked with a hint of optimism, suggesting that future collaborations may be on the horizon.
For now, Ellen continues to explore the countryside, absorb local culture, and reflect on the chapter she left behind. Her candid admission on The Graham Norton Show serves as both a tribute to her past successes and a subtle signal that she remains open to the next creative venture.
