Inside Scoop: Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi Face Challenges Settling Into UK Life After Leaving America

Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, made waves when they announced their move from California to the English countryside in late 2024. After nearly a year in the UK, new reports reveal that their fresh start hasn’t been without its bumps.

The beloved comedian and her actress spouse have been embracing a quieter life in the Cotswolds, often sharing lighthearted glimpses into their rural adventures via Ellen’s social media. But an insider tells In Touch Weekly that the transition has been “difficult” at times.

“They knew going into this that it wasn’t going to be totally smooth sailing; it was always going to be a challenge,” the source said. “Taking on a big renovation in a foreign country is not easy. But they’re both very skilled at renovation. It’s one of their passions.”

Shortly after their relocation, the couple’s new home reportedly suffered flooding damage — a tough hurdle early on in their journey. “They’ve navigated plenty of hiccups,” the insider added.

Adjusting to life outside the U.S. hasn’t been easy either. Ellen and Portia were longtime Californians, well known for their luxurious Montecito mansion and life with their dogs. But everything changed after Ellen faced backlash in 2022 over allegations of a toxic work environment on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which was later canceled. Ellen herself joked about being “kicked out of show business” in a comedy special.

Rumors swirled that the sale of their Montecito home was linked to political shifts after Donald Trump’s re-election in 2024, though the couple never publicly confirmed this.

The insider shares that while the duo misses certain comforts of America, they are ultimately happy with their fresh start. “It’s been difficult at times because they do miss the comfort of things back in America, but more than anything, they’re pleased to be embracing this new start,” the source said. “They’re getting to know the people around them and loving the property and the area.”

Fans are eager to see if Ellen will open up further about this big life change in upcoming interviews or specials. For now, it seems that despite the ups and downs, Ellen and Portia are settling into their new chapter across the pond.