Ellen DeGeneres, the renowned comedian, actress, and former talk show host, has confirmed that she and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have permanently relocated from the United States to the United Kingdom. The decision, according to DeGeneres, came directly in response to the 2024 re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States. While she initially intended to split her time between the U.S. and U.K., the couple has since chosen to settle fully in the English countryside.
Speaking during a live appearance at Cheltenham’s Everyman Theatre on July 20, 2025, DeGeneres opened up in a rare public conversation with broadcaster Richard Bacon. This marked one of her first major public engagements since stepping away from the limelight in 2022, following the end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. She reflected on her new life, her reasons for relocating, and her hopes for a more inclusive society.
A Turning Point on Election Night
DeGeneres shared that she and Portia had arrived in the U.K. just one day before the U.S. presidential election results were announced. On the morning after the vote, the couple was flooded with text messages from friends expressing dismay and concern over Donald Trump’s return to office. The reality of another Trump presidency deeply affected them, and in that moment, they made the decision not to return to the U.S.
Their initial plan was to spend part of the year in England, treating the Cotswolds residence as a peaceful retreat. However, the election result served as a catalyst for a deeper lifestyle change. Ellen explained that the political shift back home made it clear to them that staying in the U.K. long-term would offer a more comforting and secure environment.
Embracing the English Countryside
Now fully settled in the Cotswolds—a scenic, rural region known for its rolling hills, charming villages, and slower pace of life—Ellen and Portia have embraced a quieter existence. Their countryside estate includes a collection of animals such as chickens, horses, and sheep. The couple has grown fond of the clean surroundings, community values, and overall kindness they’ve encountered since relocating.
DeGeneres expressed admiration for how animals are treated in the U.K., noting that the culture appears more humane and respectful toward animal welfare. She also spoke about the politeness and decency of the people she’s met. For Ellen, this new lifestyle has brought peace of mind, and she feels far removed from the political division and cultural turmoil she left behind in the United States.
Concern for LGBTQ+ Rights in the United States
One of the most pressing reasons behind DeGeneres’s move is her increasing concern over the erosion of LGBTQ+ rights in the U.S. In particular, she cited the actions of religious institutions, such as the Southern Baptist Convention, which recently supported efforts to reverse the legalization of same-sex marriage. This issue hit home for Ellen and Portia, who were married in California in 2008.
Fearing the legal status of their marriage could be challenged or overturned if conservative legal agendas gain traction, the couple is now exploring the possibility of renewing their vows in the U.K. where same-sex marriage is legally recognized and enjoys broader public acceptance. Ellen emphasized the importance of living in a country where personal freedoms and identity are protected, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals.
She also expressed her disappointment that some parts of America are actively attempting to dismantle rights that had taken decades to achieve. The thought that same-sex couples could once again be denied marriage equality was disturbing enough to make her want to seek permanent refuge elsewhere.
A Desire for a More Accepting Society
Throughout her conversation at the Everyman Theatre, DeGeneres reiterated her wish to live in a society that embraces diversity and respects people for who they are. Her hope is to be part of a community where individuals don’t have to fear discrimination based on who they love, how they identify, or what beliefs they hold.
While the U.S. has made considerable strides in LGBTQ+ inclusion over the years, Ellen believes the recent political climate has jeopardized much of that progress. In contrast, she sees the U.K.—particularly the cultural atmosphere of the countryside—as a more welcoming space for both her and her wife to thrive authentically.
Life After ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’
Since ending her talk show in 2022 after a 19-year run, DeGeneres has largely remained out of the public eye. The final season of The Ellen DeGeneres Show was marked by controversy after allegations surfaced about toxic workplace conditions, leading to an internal investigation and the dismissal of several senior producers. Though Ellen issued public apologies and acknowledged that some of the claims were serious, she has also defended herself against what she believes were exaggerated portrayals of her character.
During her Cheltenham appearance, Ellen briefly touched on the show’s end, noting that she had no plans to return to the same talk show format. While she hinted at the possibility of new projects, she made it clear that she’s taking her time to rediscover her passions in a post-television life.
She also joked that while raising chickens and managing a farm is peaceful, she may eventually need to find something else to do—perhaps something more creatively fulfilling.
U.K. Comedy Tour and Beyond
This week marks the beginning of Ellen DeGeneres’s British comedy tour—her first major entertainment venture since the end of her show. Her stage presence remains strong, and fans across the U.K. are eager to see her return to live performances. The tour is expected to feature a mix of stand-up comedy, personal stories, and reflections on life in America and abroad.
This new chapter in her career and personal life is rooted in introspection, healing, and the pursuit of joy on her own terms. Living in the U.K. has allowed Ellen and Portia to rediscover what truly matters: simplicity, peace, and authenticity.
Ellen DeGeneres’s decision to leave the U.S. and resettle in the U.K. reflects more than just a reaction to political outcomes—it’s a profound shift toward a lifestyle aligned with her values. Motivated by concerns for personal freedom, animal rights, and social equality, she has chosen a place where she feels safer, more respected, and better able to enjoy life with her partner.
As her U.K. comedy tour kicks off and new opportunities unfold, Ellen is clearly embracing a new era—one defined by authenticity, resilience, and an unwavering belief in the right to be who you are, without fear.
