On the episode, Barrymore revealed that being single is a huge part of why she craves physical connection.
“I’m single. I’m not dating anyone,” she said. “I don’t have that in my life. But I don’t know how I would ever hold back from holding hands, hugging, snuggling.”
The “Charlie’s Angels” star noted the undeniable “electric connection” she’s seen between Erivo and her “Wicked” co-star, Ariana Grande, during their exciting promotional events for the film.
“Is it true that she is as touchy?” Barrymore asked. She told Erivo that people have to “warn me” to “back off a little bit” with guests.
Erivo warmly welcomed Barrymore’s affectionate demeanor, noting that as a Capricorn, she values such closeness. In fact, she has grown so used to sharing a physical connection with Ariana that, when they’re not doing so, she feels as though something is missing from their bond.
“If [we’re] not connected, I’m like, ‘What’s wrong? What’s happening? Where are you?’ You know what I mean?” Cynthia shared. “We walk hand-in-hand very often. Like, if we’re not walking hand-in-hand, we’ll find each other somewhere.”
Erivo also told Barrymore that she feels people are “afraid of physical connection.”
“We assume that physical connection can only be romantic,” Erivo said. Barrymore exclaimed: “Yes! That’s my point! You’re saying it so much better than I did.”
“In fact, I think when there is a romantic connection, I’m far more timid,” Barrymore continued.
Erivo suggested that people don’t always realize “that how we communicate sometimes is by physical touch.”
“Sometimes you can’t say anything, and you’re in a room and it’s just like a squeeze of a hand,” she said.
Elsewhere in the episode, Barrymore spoke about her hands-on approach to interviewing Oprah Winfrey in 2023.
During the interview, Barrymore held Winfrey’s hand below her chin and stroked her arm. She also placed her hand on Winfrey’s leg. Some viewers found these actions “creepy” and “cringe-worthy.” However, Barrymore insisted that Winfrey was comfortable with her approach.
“[Winfrey] said, ‘I wish Stedman would touch me like that,’” she recalled, referring to Winfrey’s long-term partner. “She was so nice about it. And if a guest starts telling me that [they’re bothered], I will back off.”
Throughout the last four years hosting her talk show, Barrymore has become known for her intimate and tactile interview style, often affectionately touching her guests and cozying up to them on the sofa. She will frequently hold their hands, touch their shoulder, or pull them into a hug. This demeanor has resulted in mixed reactions from fans, which she spoke about in September.
During an episode of her show, she said she was trying to “practice physical distance,” which she said was not her “strong point.”
“I get in trouble for physical proximity on this show,” she told Dax Shepard at the time. “I guess a lot of people say like, ‘You’re too touchy,’ about me. And I’m like, ‘Oh that’s so…’ talk about shame and embarrassment. I’m horrified when I hear that, and yet I can’t stop.”