Adele Roberts is a name synonymous with resilience, a powerful voice in broadcasting, and an unwavering advocate for critical causes. From her early days on reality television to becoming a beloved DJ on BBC Radio 1, and more recently, an inspiring figure in the cancer awareness community, Roberts has consistently captivated audiences with her genuine personality, infectious energy, and profound determination. This comprehensive article delves into the remarkable life and career of Adele Roberts, exploring her diverse contributions, personal triumphs, and the significant impact she continues to make.

Who is Adele Roberts? A Comprehensive Definition

Adele Claire Roberts (born March 9, 1979) is a highly respected British broadcaster, DJ, and television personality. Her career, spanning over two decades, has seen her navigate various facets of the entertainment industry, from her initial foray into reality TV to establishing herself as a prominent radio presenter. 

Roberts is widely recognized for her long-standing tenure at BBC Radio 1 and her impactful appearances on popular television shows such as Big Brother, I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, Celebrity Coach Trip, and Dancing on Ice. Beyond her professional achievements, Adele Roberts has emerged as a powerful voice for LGBTQ+ rights and, notably, a fierce advocate for bowel cancer awareness, openly sharing her personal journey with the disease.

The Formative Years: Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born in Southport, Merseyside, Adele Roberts is the eldest of six siblings and is of mixed Barbadian and British descent. Her early education took place at Merchant Taylors’ Girls’ School in Crosby, Merseyside. 

Demonstrating an early interest in media and performance, Roberts pursued pharmacology at the University of Leeds, where she simultaneously immersed herself in radio, presenting a weekly mix show on Leeds Student Radio. This foundational experience proved pivotal, laying the groundwork for her future in broadcasting.

Her professional radio career officially commenced in 2002 at Lancashire’s Rock FM, where she hosted the “Smooth Grooves Show,” a self-produced urban specialist program. Over the next decade, she honed her presenting skills at various stations, including The Hits Radio in Manchester and Galaxy in Leeds (now Capital FM).

Roberts gained national public recognition in 2002 as a housemate on the third series of Big Brother. Although she was evicted relatively early, her appearance provided a springboard into the public eye, setting the stage for a more expansive career in media.

A Voice on the Airwaves: Adele Roberts’ Radio Career

Adele Roberts’ true home has consistently been the radio airwaves, where her distinctive voice and engaging style have resonated with millions.

Rise Through the Ranks at BBC Radio

In 2012, Roberts made a significant move, joining the BBC Radio 1Xtra team. This was a long-held aspiration for her, and she quickly became a valued member of the station, covering for various presenters. Her talent and dedication did not go unnoticed, leading to her promotion within the BBC network.

A pivotal moment in her radio career came in 2015 when she was announced as the host of the BBC Radio 1 Early Breakfast Show. Her infectious energy and ability to connect with listeners in the early hours of the morning quickly made the show a popular choice. 

In a landmark achievement in 2020, Roberts made history by becoming the first openly gay woman to host BBC Radio 1’s Breakfast Show, albeit as part of a planned stunt where listeners had to locate regular presenter Greg James. This event further cemented her position as a trailblazer in the industry.

In January 2021, she transitioned to hosting Radio 1’s Weekend Breakfast Show as part of a wider schedule reshuffle. Throughout her tenure at Radio 1, Roberts consistently delivered engaging and dynamic broadcasts, earning her a loyal following. She also provided cover for other prominent BBC Radio shows, including Trevor Nelson’s “The Rhythm Nation” on BBC Radio 2 in August 2021 and the Early Breakfast Show on Radio 2 in December 2022.

After a remarkable journey with BBC Radio 1, Adele Roberts confirmed her departure from the network in June 2023, having presented her final program in May of that year. Her impact on BBC Radio, particularly her pioneering role as a gay woman in a prominent hosting position, remains significant.

The Art of DJing: From Clubs to Festivals

Beyond her presenting roles, Adele Roberts is an accomplished DJ, known for her eclectic sets and ability to energize any crowd. Her DJing career has seen her perform at a diverse range of events, from exclusive film premieres and celebrity parties to renowned music festivals like Creamfields. Her passion for music and keen understanding of what moves an audience have made her a sought-after DJ, complementing her successful broadcasting career.

Beyond the Mic: Adele Roberts’ Television Presence

While radio has been her primary domain, Adele Roberts has also made numerous memorable appearances on television, showcasing her versatility and engaging personality to a broader audience.

Reality TV Stints and Public Engagement

Her journey into television began with Big Brother 3 in 2002, which gave the public their first glimpse of her candid and spirited nature. Years later, in 2019, she entered the infamous jungle as a contestant on I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!. Though she was the first campmate to be voted off, her participation garnered significant attention.

In 2020, Roberts showcased her competitive spirit alongside her partner, Kate Holderness, winning the sixth series of E4’s Celebrity Coach Trip. These reality television appearances allowed audiences to connect with her on a more personal level, showcasing her humor, determination, and ability to navigate challenging environments.

Dancing on Ice and the Power of Visibility

One of her most recent and impactful television appearances was on the sixteenth series of Dancing on Ice in 2024. This participation was particularly significant as Adele Roberts became the first contestant with an ileostomy to compete on the show, reaching the final and finishing in third place. Her presence on such a high-profile platform not only demonstrated her physical strength and dedication but also dramatically increased visibility and understanding around stoma bags, challenging stigmas and fostering open conversations about living with an ostomy.

A Champion of Health: Adele Roberts’ Bowel Cancer Journey and Advocacy

Perhaps the most profound and impactful chapter of Adele Roberts’ life has been her public battle with bowel cancer and her subsequent tireless advocacy.

Diagnosis and Treatment: A Personal Account

In October 2021, Adele Roberts bravely announced her diagnosis with stage two bowel cancer. Her journey through treatment, which she openly documented, involved a low anterior resection to remove a tumour, a six-month course of oral chemotherapy, and ileostomy surgery. She now lives with a permanent stoma, which she affectionately named ‘Audrey.’

Roberts’ decision to share her health journey publicly has been immensely powerful. She has provided a raw and honest account of the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment, including side effects like the loss of her fingerprints, severe skin damage, and a black tongue due to chemotherapy. Despite these gruelling challenges, she maintained an incredibly positive mindset, actively visualizing the chemotherapy destroying cancer cells and staying as active as possible.

In June 2022, Roberts announced the joyous news that she was cancer-free, having been given the all-clear. However, her journey of managing the long-term effects of treatment continues, as evidenced by her recent (May 2025) update regarding low iron levels, which she believes are a lingering effect of chemotherapy or her stoma. This ongoing transparency further highlights the realities of cancer survivorship and the importance of continued monitoring and self-care.

Author and Advocate: “Personal Best”

Further solidifying her role as an advocate, Adele Roberts penned a memoir titled Personal Best: From Rock Bottom to the Top of the World. Released in 2024, the book chronicles her journey from diagnosis to becoming a record-breaking marathon runner. In this memoir, she reinforces key messages about resilience, self-belief, and the importance of prioritizing health. Her work as an author adds another layer to her expertise and authority in the health and wellness space, particularly for those navigating serious health challenges.

Athletic Prowess and Philanthropy: Running for a Cause

Beyond the studio and television screen, Adele Roberts is a passionate runner, consistently pushing her physical limits while simultaneously raising money and awareness for charitable causes.

London Marathon Achievements

Roberts has completed multiple London Marathons, each with a story of dedication and triumph. She first ran the marathon in 2017 (3:36:31) and again in 2018 (3:30:38), fundraising for Heads Together, a mental health charity spearheaded by Prince William and Catherine, Princess of Wales, who formally recognized her efforts.

In 2023, Adele achieved a remarkable feat: she completed her third London Marathon, her first running with a stoma, in an impressive time of 3:30:22. This not only showcased her incredible physical recovery but also set a Guinness World Record for the fastest female to run a marathon with an ileostomy. This extraordinary accomplishment earned her the prestigious Spirit of the London Marathon award in 2024. She ran the 2023 marathon in aid of the Attitude Magazine Foundation, which supports LGBTQ+ causes.

Continuing Challenges and Inspiration (2025 Trends)

As of 2025, Adele Roberts continues to inspire with her athletic endeavors. Reports indicate she has set her sights on even greater challenges, aiming to complete six World Major Marathons in a cumulative world record time within an eight-month period. This ongoing commitment to fitness, even while managing the long-term effects of cancer treatment, serves as a powerful testament to her unwavering spirit and her desire to demonstrate what is possible with determination and self-belief. Her current fundraising efforts for these challenges continue to benefit Cancer Research UK and the Attitude Magazine Foundation, solidifying her commitment to both cancer awareness and LGBTQ+ rights.

Recent Trends (as of 2025) and Adele Roberts’ Continued Impact

As of mid-2025, Adele Roberts remains a prominent and influential figure. Her recent health update regarding low iron levels, while a setback, further highlights the long-term realities of cancer survivorship and her ongoing commitment to transparency. This reinforces the current trend in health advocacy towards a more holistic and ongoing dialogue about recovery, not just the “all-clear” moment.

Her continued pursuit of athletic world records, such as the goal of completing six World Major Marathons, aligns with the growing trend of individuals pushing personal boundaries and redefining what’s possible after significant health challenges. This also ties into the increasing public interest in inspirational stories of overcoming adversity through physical and mental strength.

Furthermore, Roberts’ consistent presence across various media platforms – from her memoir to her continued engagement on social media – reflects the evolving landscape of celebrity and influence. She leverages her personal narrative to drive important conversations around health, diversity, and inclusion, demonstrating how public figures can effectively utilize their platforms for social good. Her role as a beacon for the ostomy community continues to gain traction, with more individuals feeling empowered to share their stories.

FAQ 

What is Adele Roberts best known for?

Adele Roberts is best known for her extensive career as a radio presenter, particularly on BBC Radio 1, where she hosted various shows including the Early Breakfast and Weekend Breakfast. She is also recognized for her appearances on reality television shows like Big Brother and I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, and more recently for her inspiring journey with bowel cancer and her advocacy for ostomy awareness, notably as a contestant on Dancing on Ice.

What type of cancer did Adele Roberts have?

Adele Roberts was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer in October 2021. She has since undergone successful treatment and was declared cancer-free in June 2022.

What is a stoma, and how has Adele Roberts advocated for it?

A stoma is an opening on the abdomen that allows waste to be diverted from the digestive system, often as a result of surgery like an ileostomy or colostomy. Adele Roberts lives with a permanent ileostomy, which she affectionately calls ‘Audrey.’ She has become a vocal advocate for stoma awareness by openly discussing her experiences, sharing details about her daily life with Audrey, and appearing on national television programs like Dancing on Ice with her stoma visible, thereby helping to normalize and destigmatize living with an ostomy.

Has Adele Roberts set any world records?

Yes, Adele Roberts holds a Guinness World Record for the fastest female to run a marathon with an ileostomy. She achieved this at the 2023 London Marathon, completing the race in 3 hours, 30 minutes, and 22 seconds.

What is Adele Roberts doing in 2025?

As of 2025, Adele Roberts continues to be an active advocate for bowel cancer and ostomy awareness, and she is pursuing further athletic challenges, including aiming to complete six World Major Marathons in a cumulative world record time. She recently provided an update on her health in May 2025, continuing to be transparent about the long-term effects of her cancer treatment, such as managing low iron levels. She is also the author of her memoir, “Personal Best.”

Final Thoughts

Adele Roberts’ journey is a powerful narrative of ambition, adversity, and unwavering spirit. From her early days breaking into the competitive world of broadcasting to her courageous public battle with cancer, she has consistently demonstrated remarkable resilience and an inspiring commitment to making a positive impact. 

Her contributions to radio have left an indelible mark, and her candid advocacy for bowel cancer awareness and LGBTQ+ rights has resonated deeply with countless individuals, transforming lives and challenging societal norms. 

Adele Roberts stands as a testament to the power of authenticity, the importance of self-belief, and the profound influence one individual can wield in championing causes that truly matter. Her story continues to unfold, inspiring many to face their own challenges with courage and grace.

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