American retired comedian and actress Ellen DeGeneres has ignited fresh concern after reappearing in the United States, with fans alarmed by her noticeably slimmer appearance following a year spent living in the UK.
The 67-year-old former talk show host was spotted on Tuesday in Montecito, California, walking alongside her wife, Portia de Rossi.
While the outing itself appeared casual and understated, Ellen’s visibly reduced frame quickly became the focal point, fuelling speculation about dramatic weight loss and her overall wellbeing.
The sighting marked a surprising return stateside after the couple relocated to the English countryside roughly a year ago, a move Ellen had framed as an escape from what they described as the "perils" of Donald Trump’s America.
Their reappearance comes amid reports that the realities of British life, particularly a bleak winter, have prompted a rethink.
According to The Mail on Sunday, the pair had been eager to leave behind the UK’s cold, grey Christmas season and head back to the US to reconnect with friends and family.
Ellen’s appearance seemed to reinforce that narrative, especially as she debuted her familiar blonde hair once again, abandoning the grey roots she had embraced over the past year.
Still, it was her frail-looking physique that drew the most attention, sparking unease among onlookers and fans following the couple’s high-profile relocation.
The Daily Mail reported it has not received a response from DeGeneres’ representatives regarding concerns about her health.
For the outing, Ellen kept her style relaxed, wearing a grey printed shirt beneath a dark navy blazer, paired with classic blue jeans and sneakers.
A blue cap sat atop her freshly blonded hair, giving her a laid-back California look. Portia mirrored the low-key aesthetic in a cream sweater and loose-fitting jeans as they walked together.
Despite the casual attire, attention remained firmly fixed on Ellen’s slight frame.
The public appearance follows recent glimpses into the couple’s private life, including the introduction of a new puppy.
Last week, Portia shared photos of the family’s latest four-legged addition, joining their dog Sport, whom they welcomed in October. The unnamed pup quickly bonded with Sport, with Portia humorously captioning the post "Lady and the Tramp".
Among the photos were rare shots of Portia’s family, including her rarely seen brother Michael Rogers.
One image showed Portia standing outside a cozy countryside cottage with Michael, what appeared to be his wife Casey, and their daughters.
She captioned the moment "Family visit in the Cotswolds…", suggesting the couple did spend at least part of the festive season in the UK.
Even so, sources told The Mail on Sunday that DeGeneres has privately admitted to friends that they intend to spend more time in California because they "miss their friends" and are reluctant to endure another British winter.
One source said: "Ellen was adamant that she and Portia were going to stay in the UK while Trump was in the White House, but evidently she's changed her mind somewhat.
"She's been telling friends they are coming home soon because they miss them and can't take the winters over there, and Portia wants to act again. They will be here for the holidays and longer by the sound of it."
The couple, who married in 2008, initially settled at Kitesbridge Farm in Swinbrook, Oxfordshire.
The 43-acre estate was later listed for $22.5 million in July. They subsequently moved into a hilltop mansion with extensive land, including facilities suitable for horses, a key requirement for Portia, an avid equestrian.
Ellen previously explained the decision, saying: "When we decided to live here full time we knew that Portia couldn't live without her horses. We needed a home that had a horse facility and pastures for them."
The property also offered ample space for their dogs, puppies Sport and Jinx, along with their older dog, Kid.
Despite appearances of settling into rural English life, insiders insisted the pull of California never faded.
One source said Ellen was clear that they would return "sooner rather than later", adding that they missed both the warm weather and their social circle. Another source later played down speculation, denying any permanent move back to the US.
While in the UK, the couple were frequently spotted enjoying local pubs, including Jeremy Clarkson’s Farmer’s Dog in Burford and The Falkland Arms in Great Tew.
Ellen previously reflected on the timing of their relocation, saying: "We got here [to the UK] the day before the election and woke up to lots of texts from our friends with crying emojis, and I was like, "He got in". And we're like, "We're staying here".
Meanwhile, Portia’s close relationship with her brother Michael extends beyond holiday visits.
Property and mortgage records obtained by the Daily Mail show that Ellen and Portia have loaned millions of dollars to help both of their brothers purchase luxury homes in California.
In 2015, Ellen assisted her older brother, Vance DeGeneres, 69, when he and his wife Joanna purchased a three-bedroom, four-bathroom home in Sherman Oaks for $1,439,000.
Records indicate the full amount was loaned by Ellen and Portia, with repayment required along with interest, and stipulations that the property be maintained in good condition.
The couple were reportedly even more generous with Portia’s brother. In May 2019, Michael and his wife Casey bought a four-bedroom, four-bathroom Santa Barbara home with a pool for $4.9 million. Documents show Ellen and Portia loaned them $4,905,420.75, nearly the entire purchase price, under similar terms, though the interest rate and loan length were not disclosed.
Michael is the co-founder of the art company General Public, which uses 3D-printing technology to produce artwork. The company says it aims to make art more accessible and collaborates with more than 5,000 artists globally.
Portia has previously spoken openly about how her bond with her brother strengthened after a deeply personal betrayal involving her ex-husband, photographer Mel Metcalfe, who left her for Michael’s then-wife, Renee Kappos.
In her 2010 memoir Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain, she wrote: "When Mel left me and Renee suddenly sabotaged her marriage to my brother to be with Mel, Brother and I were left idiotically scratching our heads in disbelief."
She continued: "When my husband left me, my brother moved into my place... My husband ran off with his wife, so we kept each other company and we liked to go out for margaritas and Mexican food to commiserate."
Portia divorced Metcalfe in 1999 and later said the marriage played a role in helping her understand her sexuality. She wrote: "By the end of our first year together, despite my desire to be attracted to him, my latent fear of my real sexuality was simmering and about to boil. I was almost positive I was gay. So I married him."
She later met DeGeneres in 2000. The pair began dating in 2004 and were married on August 16, 2008, in a private ceremony at their Beverly Hills home.