TV Host Ellen DeGeneres tests positive for Covid-19

DeGeneres speaks from her living room during a Fox concert programme in March

US chat show host Ellen DeGeneres has announced that she tested positive for Covid-19. "Fortunately, I'm feeling fine right now," she posted online.

Her daytime programme - the Ellen DeGeneres Show - will pause production until January, according to a statement from her producers.

The show returned in September amid allegations of misconduct by senior staff. Three top producers were fired.

DeGeneres, 62, herself apologised on air, pledging "necessary changes".

On Thursday, DeGeneres wrote that she was following the government's Covid guidelines, and had notified those with whom she had been in close contact.

"I'll see you all again after the holidays," she wrote. "Please stay healthy and safe."

Her last guest, who appeared in-person with her on Wednesday, was Hamilton musical actor Leslie Odom Jr.

In October, the programme became one of the first in the US to resume filming in-studio, according to USA Today. Forty audience members - rather than the normal capacity of 300 seats - have been allowed to attend tapings each day.

Other December guests to her studio included singers Justin Bieber and Lil Nas X, and actors Bryan Cranston and Diane Keaton.

Over the summer, DeGeneres faced criticism on social media amid reports that she had created a toxic work environment for her staff.

Appearing for her 18th season premiere in September, she addressed the allegations of racism, sexism and bullying made by her employees.

• Ellen DeGeneres returns to screens with apology

"I am so sorry to the people who were affected," she said into the camera. "I know that I'm in a position of privilege and power. I realised that with that comes responsibility and I take responsibility for what happens at my show."

In the aftermath, she has continued to apologise to her staff and has increased leave time and health insurance packages for her employees, according to Entertainment Weekly.