After decades of being one of America’s most recognizable TV personalities, Ellen DeGeneres has swapped the glitz of Hollywood for the calm charm of the English countryside.
These days, the 67-year-old comedian and talk show host is enjoying a peaceful life in the Cotswolds alongside her wife, Portia de Rossi, 52 — and from the way she tells it, they have no plans to return to the U.S.
In a candid conversation held at the Everyman Theatre in Cheltenham with broadcaster Richard Bacon, Ellen opened up about why she made such a major move, how she’s adjusting to her new surroundings, and her thoughts on the current state of LGBTQ+ rights in America.
A Political Turning Point Sparked the Move
Ellen didn’t sugarcoat the reasons for relocating across the Atlantic.
She shared that her and Portia’s decision to leave the United States was directly influenced by the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
They had arrived in the UK just a day before the vote — and woke up the next morning to messages filled with crying emojis.
“When I saw those texts, I just knew,” she recalled.
“‘He got in.’ And we said to each other, ‘We’re staying here.’”
That moment was the beginning of their new chapter in England — one that feels permanent.
Falling in Love with the British Countryside
Since settling in the Cotswolds last November, Ellen has become deeply fond of her new home.
Though she admits it wasn’t the ideal time to relocate weather-wise, she was enchanted by the area’s natural beauty — and even experienced snow for the first time in her life.
“I just love it here,” she gushed.
“The villages, the architecture, the way people treat animals, how polite everyone is — everything feels better here. It’s a simpler way of life, and it’s clean.”
Their country lifestyle is complete with animals and open space: Portia brought over her horses, Ellen has chickens, and they even had sheep for a couple of weeks.
The couple often shares glimpses of their peaceful surroundings on social media, including a recent snap of a double rainbow over the fields.
Considering a Second Wedding in the UK
With conversations in the U.S. surrounding the rollback of LGBTQ+ rights growing louder, Ellen and Portia are thinking seriously about reaffirming their vows in the UK.
The pair first tied the knot in 2008, shortly after same-sex marriage was legalized in California.
Now, as threats to those rights resurface, they’re thinking ahead.
Ellen expressed concern over efforts by institutions like the Baptist Church in America that aim to reverse the right to same-sex marriage.
“They’re actively working to stop it from happening again, or to undo it,” she warned.
“So we’re already looking into getting married here in the UK, just in case.”
A Sobering Look at Progress
Despite the legal strides made in recent years, Ellen feels that true social progress remains frustratingly slow — especially in how people treat one another.
“I wish we were at a point where it wasn’t scary to be who you are,” she said.
“Until we reach a place of true acceptance and equality, it’s hard to say we’ve made real progress.”
Her words reflect a deep sense of empathy and frustration — the kind that comes from having lived through decades of struggle, even while being in the public eye.
Life After the Ellen Show
Since ending The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022 after nearly 20 years on air, Ellen has kept a relatively low profile — but not without controversy.
In 2020, she faced serious allegations about fostering a toxic work environment on her show, which prompted public backlash and a formal apology.
Looking back, Ellen described that period as painful but necessary.
“I think that everything that happened had to happen,” she told The Hollywood Reporter.
“It opened my eyes in ways I didn’t expect. I learned a lot.”
Her Comeback and Mixed Reactions
Earlier this year, Ellen stepped back into the spotlight with a Netflix special titled Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval.
While some fans were thrilled to see her return, the special wasn’t warmly received by critics.
It ended up with a disappointing 33% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, suggesting a disconnect between the Ellen of the past and today’s audience.
What’s Next for Ellen?
Now settled in the English countryside, it’s clear Ellen is embracing a slower pace of life.
Whether she’s capturing rainbows with Portia or tending to chickens, she seems at peace.
Though her future in entertainment remains uncertain, it’s obvious that for now, Ellen is focused on simpler joys — and creating a safe, quiet life with the woman she loves.
Only time will tell if she returns to the screen again, but for the moment, she seems happy just being Ellen — far away from the noise of Hollywood.