The bizarre moment a Channel Seven reporter says ‘Allan DeGeneres’ has Covid-19 – but there’s a reason why some Aussies can’t pronounce the talk show host’s name
Channel Seven’s U.S. correspondent David Woiwod mispronounced Ellen DeGeneres‘ name during a live cross on Sunrise on Friday morning.
The journalist, who hails from Melbourne, called the 62-year-old talk show host ‘Allan DeGeneres’ as he reported on her Covid-19 diagnosis.
While it may have just been a slip of the tongue, it’s no secret that many Australians just can’t pronounce the name Ellen correctly.
‘Allan DeGeneres’: Seven’s U.S. correspondent David Woiwod (right) mispronounced Ellen DeGeneres’ name during a live cross on Sunrise on Friday morning. Left: Edwina Bartholomew
This is because people from Victoria have a habit of pronouncing ‘el’ as ‘al’. The most famous example of this is saying ‘Malbourne’ instead of ‘Melbourne’.
After discussing the coronavirus vaccine during Friday’s news segment, David went on to reveal that Ellen had tested positive for Covid-19.
‘Talk show host Allan DeGeneres revealed earlier this morning she’s tested positive. She said she’s feeling fine but she’s one of many Americans in the middle of this fight,’ he said.
Pronunciation: The Melbourne based journalist called the 62-year-old ‘Allan’ but Victorians are known for confusing ‘el’ sounds with ‘al’ sounds
David left Sunrise in July this year and to join the Seven News U.S. bureau.
Meanwhile, Ellen DeGeneres revealed on Thursday she’d tested positive for Covid-19 and was putting her show on hiatus until after the holidays.
‘Hi everyone, I want to let you all know that I tested positive for Covid-19. Fortunately, I’m feeling fine right now,’ she posted on Twitter.
Statement: Ellen DeGeneres revealed she tested positive for COVID-19 and is taking her show on hiatus until after the holidays 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.’
The talk show host, who typically tapes episodes of The Ellen Show at least a day in advance, had appeared in her usual slot on Wednesday afternoon.
TV appearance: The talk show host, who typically tapes episodes of The Ellen Show at least a day in advance, had appeared in her usual slot on Wednesday afternoon