Ellen Degeneres will end her world-famous daytime talk show after 3,000 shows and 64 Daytime Emmys. When Ellen made the announcement in her monologue on Wednesday's show, she said she knew this would be her last season when she signed the contract two years ago.

“The point is, I need to take a break from talking,” said the iconic talk show host, who promised viewers a fantastic final season for the show, which started in 2003.

Degeneres, who will leave the show once season 19 is finished, said, “This show has been the greatest experience of my life,” in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter. She also said, “as fun as it is, it’s just not a challenge anymore.”

The news comes after 2 Buzzfeed reports of racism, intimidation, sexual misconduct and harassment in the workplace at the show. Degeneres also spoke about the allegations saying, "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."

The Finding Nemo voice actor and stand-up comic said she took responsibility for what had happened, and apologised for the events at the start of the new season.

Watch Ellen’s monologue below.