Popular Television host, Ellen DeGeneres has said she tested positive for COVID-19 and is taking her show on hiatus until after the holidays – just one day after a scathing report that claimed the series is struggling.
‘Hi Everyone, I want to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now,’ said DeGeneres, 62, in a statement posted on Twitter at noon on Thursday.
‘Anyone who has been in close contact with me has been notified, and I am following all proper CDC guidelines,’ she added. ‘I’ll see you all again after the holidays. Please stay safe and healthy.’
Although DeGeneres typically tapes episodes of The Ellen Show at least a day in advance, Thursday afternoon’s show was a re-run of an episode that first ran on October 15.
It meant the cancellation of the final day of DeGeneres’ well-known ’12 Days of Giveaways’ holiday promotional series, which typically draws big sponsors and high ratings.
A promo that aired during the re-run teased the return of giveaways days ‘tomorrow’, suggesting some version of the final day may air on Friday. A spokesperson for the show did not immediately respond to an inquiry from DailyMail.com.
On Wednesday afternoon, DeGeneres aired a new episode as scheduled, with in-studio guests including singer Leslie Odom Jr.