Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi left virtually everything they own in California when they relocated to the U.K. following the election, according to a source, who exclusively tells In Touch how they were determined to create a dramatic, fresh start for their marriage as well as their lifestyle. 

“Ellen and Portia going to England was an extreme move and the kind of thing only incredibly rich people with full staffs of helpers can even contemplate pulling off,” says a friend of the couple who’s very familiar with the situation. “In terms of their possessions, they left pretty much everything back in SoCal for their staff to sort through, get rid of, put into storage and even sell. They are truly starting over in England and that says a lot, because they put thousands of hours into their furniture and clothing collections and designing their homes in Los Angeles and then in Santa Barbara.”

After Donald Trump won the presidential election in November 2024, Ellen, 66, and wife Portia, 51, swore off the United States. Though, many suspect their flight from Southern California had more to do with the embattled former host’s embarrassing failure to relaunch her career after being cancelled for allegations of abuse while on set of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.

A second source previously told In Touch that, “Ellen is still angry and she’s had enough,” adding, “Her final comedy special is the last time anyone will see her in the public eye. She’s given so much to others, spreading joy and laughter. Now, it’s time for Ellen to focus on herself and live away from the spotlight. After this, we will never see Ellen again.”

The first source adds, “Ellen was just done with America and Portia was also ready to turn the page. But make no mistake, they left behind millions of dollars in possessions and collections to make this move and, because it was Ellen’s idea, you have to peel back the layers a little bit.” 

Following the disappointment that was For Your Approval, Ellen’s attempted comeback special, it would seem she really has gone through with her plan, but there was likely another factor that played a part in their decision making, the first source argues. Namely, as In Touch previously reported, the couple’s relationship hit a low when everything came crashing down on Ellen after the cancellation of her show, and starting over in the U.K. is giving them a fresh lease on their marriage, too.

“The primary thing Ellen and Portia bond over is design and aesthetics, and now Ellen has created a fresh canvas for them to work on together as they build out their home life in the English countryside.” 

“Basically it’s a chance to relive the greatest moments of their marriage – picking out linens and flooring and faucets, doing renovations, working with architects and decorators. This is the stuff that they live for, not being famous or pleasing audiences,” the insider says. 

“It’s telling that Ellen felt they needed to make this move as a couple and completely start over their life and status quo together. To people who know them, it looks like the most desperate and risky move she could possibly make, and she did it. For now, Portia is just along for the ride!”