Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, recently surprised fans with their decision to leave the United States and relocate to the United Kingdom.
The move marked a dramatic shift for the couple, who had long called California home.
Settling in the picturesque Cotswolds, the pair purchased a sprawling 43-acre estate as they planned to embark on a new chapter of their lives.
The Cotswolds, known for its serene countryside and affluent residents, appeared to be the perfect destination for a fresh start.
Rumors swirled about the reasons for their relocation, with some attributing the move to Ellen’s desire to escape the American political climate.
Others suggested it was a response to the election of Donald Trump, which reportedly left the couple disillusioned.
However, sources close to the couple dismissed the political claims, stating that the move was motivated by their long-planned retirement.
“Make no mistake about it. This is Ellen and Portia’s retirement,” an insider told Daily Mail. “Neither one of them has any projects lined up.”
The relocation also followed a tumultuous period for Ellen, whose career faced a steep decline after allegations of fostering a toxic work environment on her talk show.
The fallout included criticism from fans and celebrities alike, leaving a lasting impact on her public image.
“Ellen really felt she had made her mark on the industry, but that was diminished when she was canceled over her alleged treatment of her staff,” the source added.
“Then to have celebrities call her out one by one was so hurtful.”
Ellen herself addressed the backlash in her recent Netflix special, For Your Approval, humorously reflecting on her time in Hollywood.
“I got kicked out of show business,” she joked. “Yeah, the ‘be kind’ girl wasn’t kind. That was the headline.”
Despite the public scrutiny, Ellen and Portia seemed to embrace their new life in England, even debuting a refreshed look.
Ellen ditched her iconic blonde hairstyle for a brunette transformation, signaling a symbolic fresh start.
The couple quickly integrated into their new community, frequenting local spots like The Farmer’s Dog pub owned by Jeremy Clarkson.
During a casual night out, they even enjoyed an acoustic performance by Irish band The Corrs.
However, the serene backdrop of the Cotswolds came with its own set of challenges.
Weeks after their relocation, Storm Bert arrived, bringing with it torrential rains and powerful winds that turned the area into a nightmare for many.
The storm caused the River Thames to burst its banks, flooding numerous roads and making them impassable.
Residents reported water levels rising rapidly, with some areas submerged under as much as five feet of water.
A neighbor close to the couple described the devastation to Daily Mail, saying, “The flood waters are rising by the hour.
This is the worst I have seen it in years.” The storm left many locals stranded in their homes, unsure of when conditions would improve.
The full extent of the damage to Ellen and Portia’s sprawling property remains undisclosed.
The incident drew comparisons to a similar disaster the couple experienced in Montecito, California, just months before leaving the U.S.
The couple must confront the stark reality that even the most idyllic retreats can come with unforeseen challenges as the floodwaters encroach on their dream home.
What started as a peaceful escape has turned into a test of resilience for Ellen and Portia.
From Hollywood glamour to battling floods in the English countryside, Ellen’s life continues to evolve in ways few could have predicted.
While the storms rage on, both literal and figurative, her unwavering determination remains her defining trait.
Featured Image Credit: (Instagram/@ellendegeneres)
