Ellen Degeneres returned to TV on Monday (April 6, 2020) in a bid to keep her staff employed during the coronavirus lockdown.
The Finding Dory star hosted the long-running The Ellen DeGeneres Show from her living room, joking that all the other areas of her home were “filled with toilet paper”.
She started the show with a few words of comfort and a special message to her TV team.
“I wanted to start doing my new show as soon as possible, because it’s really for people who are stuck at home, especially my staff and crew,” the 62-year-old star said. “I love them, I miss them, and the best thing I can do to support them is keep the show on the air.
“I’ve always wanted to have this show as a distraction, as a break from whatever’s going on out there that may be unpleasant. So, if you’re feeling down, I want to lift you up. If you’re feeling trapped, I want to set you free. If you feel like you’re going in the wrong direction, I want you to back that thing up. I want to spread light where there’s shade. I want to bring a glow where it’s gloomy. I want to stick a candle where the sun doesn’t shine.”
She also took time to salute emergency workers, who are putting their health at risk during the pandemic by serving the public.
“Usually I walk out and people applaud me, but today I’m applauding you – nurses, doctors, hospital staff, first responders, supermarket employees, truck drivers, everyone who keeps us going,” she said.
“Thank you so much.”
