Ellen DeGeneres became visibly emotional after revealing that she had no work lined up during her appearance on The Graham Norton Show on Friday. The star, 66, who hosted her self-titled talk show for more than two decades, saw it come to an end in 2022 following allegations of workplace bullying.
During her appearance, Ellen reflected on her lengthy absence from television, admitting that she missed being on TV. 'I miss a lot about it - laughing with the writers and the audience. I think about doing stuff here,' she said. 'I think it is pretty easy to get on TV here - you have a pottery show, you have a sewing show, and you even have a show about people watching TV shows!'
Ellen announced the end of her talk show in 2021 after an internal investigation was launched into allegations of workplace bullying. She has since been living in The Cotswolds with her wife, Portia de Rossi.
Ellen suffered a dramatic fall from grace when she was accused by former employees of creating a 'toxic' workplace where racism, bullying, and sexual harassment were allegedly rampant. The controversy severely damaged her reputation, leading to a significant decline in her public profile.
Despite the backlash, Ellen remains a prominent figure in pop culture. Her recent comedy tour and special have served as a platform for her to address the rumors and her current state of mind.
The comedian noted that while she has been enjoying her time away from the spotlight, the creative void is becoming harder to ignore. She emphasized that her connection with the audience was the most fulfilling part of her career.
Industry experts suggest that while a return to mainstream daytime television may be difficult, streaming platforms could offer a path for her comeback. Ellen has not yet confirmed any specific projects in development.
Her fans have expressed mixed reactions to her potential return, with some welcoming the prospect and others remaining critical of her past actions. The debate continues to highlight the complexities of celebrity accountability.
As she navigates this transitional phase, Ellen continues to focus on her personal life and private ventures. Her appearance on the show marks one of the few times she has spoken candidly about her career hiatus.
The entertainment world remains watchful, waiting to see if the former talk show queen can successfully reinvent herself after such a turbulent chapter in her professional life.