After 18 years on the air, Ellen DeGeneres is determined to make the last season of her once-popular talk show a memorable one.
The final season of the Ellen DeGeneres Show, which premiered in 2003, will feature A-listers and other popular guests with the idea that it won’t just be the final episode that’s a big “hooray,” but that instead, “it’s going to be every show that season.”
While the beloved LGBTQ+ advocate and talk show host has battled controversy over the past year due to allegations of a toxic work environment, Ellen reiterated that the decision to move on from the show has nothing to do with the accusations.
The 63-year-old told The Hollywood Reporter on Wednesday, “It was very hurtful to me. I mean, very. But if I was quitting the show because of that, I wouldn’t have come back this season.”
Related: The richest LGBTQ2S+ celebs in 2021.
The star also shared, “I just needed something to challenge me. And as great as this show is, and as fun as it is, it’s just not a challenge anymore.”
Ellen also said that she wanted to give everyone involved ample time to digest the news and adjust.
See also: 10 celebs share tips on how to boost your mood when you’re bummed.
