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Adele Roberts
Adele Roberts
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Adele Claire Roberts (born 9 March 1979) is a British broadcaster and reality TV personality and DJ, known for her work on BBC Radio 1. Her best known television appearances were in Big Brother, I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, Celebrity Coach Trip and Dancing on Ice.

Key Information

Early life

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Roberts was born in Southport, Merseyside. She is the eldest of six siblings and is of mixed Barbadian and British [1] descent.[2] She was privately educated at Merchant Taylors' Girls' School in Crosby, Merseyside.[3] Roberts studied pharmacology at University of Leeds, where she joined Leeds Student Radio presenting a weekly mix show.[4]

Big Brother

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Roberts was a housemate in Big Brother 3. She came in seventh place after being evicted on 5 July 2002, seen by 7.1 million viewers.[5]

Roberts later returned to the series in 2007, and participated in a task for Big Brother 8 alongside Alex Sibley.[6]

Career

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Radio

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In 2002, she landed her first radio job at Rock FM in Lancashire, presenting the weekly "Smooth Grooves Show", a self-produced urban specialist show airing on Friday, 10 pm – 2 am. Roberts also presented shows on The Hits Radio in Manchester. In 2006 she joined Galaxy in Leeds (now Capital).[7][8] In 2012, she moved to BBC Radio 1Xtra.[9] Roberts has stated that presenting on BBC 1Xtra had been a long-term aspiration and that she had attended a development event for the station (then under the working title 'Network X') in 2002 but had been too nervous to approach anybody and left immediately.[1]

In 2015 it was announced that Roberts would be the new host of the BBC Radio 1 Early Breakfast show from 4:00-6:30am.[10] Previous hosts of the same show include Greg James, Scott Mills, Chris Moyles and Dev.

She is also regular cover for The live lounge show.

In 2020, Roberts became the first black woman to host the BBC Radio 1 Breakfast show after the regular presenter Greg James failed to make it on air after attending The Brit Awards. It was later revealed that this was a planned stunt in which listeners had to locate the whereabouts of James with the help of on-air clues.[11]

In November 2020, it was announced by the BBC that she would be the new host of Radio 1's Weekend Breakfast Show starting from January 2021 as part of a schedule shake up with current hosts of Weekend Breakfast moving to afternoons.

In August 2021, she provided cover for Trevor Nelson on The Rhythm Nation on BBC Radio 2. In December 2022, she returned to Radio 2 to host the Early Breakfast Show for 1 week.[12]

On 21 June 2023, Roberts confirmed her departure from Radio 1. She had already presented her last programme for the network in May 2023.[13]

Television

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Roberts is a regular presenter for BBC Sport. In 2019 she joined the London Marathon coverage and commentary team alongside Gaby Logan, Steve Cram, Paula Radcliffe and Andrew Cotter.

In November 2019, it was announced that Roberts would be participating in the nineteenth series of I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!.[14] She was the first campmate to be voted off the show on 29 November.[15] The show received complaints for the eviction as the voting app used to nominate camp mates had caused confusion due to ambiguous wording on the interface; because of this, no votes from the app were counted and only phone votes were used.[16]

In January 2020, Roberts won the sixth series of Celebrity Coach Trip on E4 alongside her girlfriend, Kate Holderness.

In 2024, Roberts was a contestant on the sixteenth series of Dancing on Ice. She was paired with Mark Hanretty and the pair finished in third place.

Personal life

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Sport and fitness

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Roberts is a keen runner and has completed three London Marathons, finishing all three races with a qualifying time for the following year. In 2017 she finished with a time of 03:36:31,[17] in 2018 she finished with a time of 03:30:38[18] and in 2023 became the fastest woman to run the Marathon with a stoma bag, finishing the race in 3:30:22, achieving a Guinness World Record.[19]

Roberts ran her first two marathons for the charity Heads Together and ran the 2023 marathon in aid of the Attitude Magazine Foundation.

In 2017 she received a surprise visit from the then Duke and Duchess of Cambridge who head the charity to wish her luck in her race.[20] She is an avid supporter of Liverpool F.C.[21]

Roberts took part in the Sport Relief charity netball match in 2019. She played on the winning team captained by Oti Mabuse.[22]

LGBTQ rights

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Roberts is bisexual and campaigns for LGBTQ rights. In 2013 she presented Coming Out, a documentary for Radio 1 and 1Xtra, sharing her own and others' personal coming out stories.[1] She was nominated for 'Broadcaster of the Year' at the Diva Awards in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020 and the LGBT Awards in 2018 and 2020. On 24 June 2022 Roberts was named as role model of the year at British LGBT Awards in recognition of her openness about her cancer condition and subsequent treatment.

Health

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On 24 October 2021, Roberts announced that she was undergoing treatment for bowel cancer, having been diagnosed earlier in the month.[23] In January 2022, Roberts shared that a tumour had been removed, she had had chemotherapy treatment and a stoma, adding "I believe they've managed to remove all of the tumour, which is great news."[24] On 27 June 2022, Roberts announced that she had been given the all-clear and was now "cancer free".[25]

References

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Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Adele Roberts (born 9 March 1979) is a British disc jockey, radio broadcaster, and television personality recognized for her long association with BBC Radio 1, including early morning and dance programming slots. She gained initial public attention as a contestant on the third series of Big Brother in 2002 and later appeared on reality formats such as Dancing on Ice and I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!. Roberts' career trajectory shifted markedly after her 2021 diagnosis with stage three bowel cancer, which she treated through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, resulting in a permanent stoma and eventual remission. Post-recovery, Roberts channeled her experience into physical challenges and advocacy, establishing a in 2023 as the fastest woman to complete the London Marathon while fitted with an ostomy bag, finishing in 3 hours, 34 minutes, and 21 seconds. She extended this into a 2024-2025 campaign running the six Abbott consecutively, raising awareness and funds for bowel cancer detection and supporting ostomates. In 2020, she made broadcasting history as the first black woman to host 1's show, a milestone amid her rising profile in dance music and youth-oriented media. Her public narrative emphasizes early symptom recognition for bowel cancer, countering delays often seen in younger patients, though she has reported ongoing side effects like neuropathy from treatment.

Early Life

Childhood and Education

Adele Roberts was born on 9 March 1979 in , , , to working-class parents of mixed Barbadian and English descent. Her father worked as a builder, and her mother, Jackie Roberts, raised the family in a three-bedroom in the seaside town. As the eldest of six siblings, Roberts described her childhood as chaotic yet happy, marked by constant activity, music, and laughter in a rowdy household. Growing up mixed-race in northwest exposed her to frequent , which she later credited with building her resilience and amid a working-class environment of limited resources. Roberts received her secondary education at Merchant Taylors' Girls' School, a selective independent institution in , after securing a that enabled attendance despite her family's council estate background. She subsequently enrolled at the to study , completing foundational coursework there around 2000 before shifting pursuits.

Reality Television Appearances

Big Brother

Adele Roberts participated in the third series of Big Brother UK, which aired on Channel 4 from May 24 to August 22, 2002. Entering the house on launch day as a 24-year-old disc jockey and fitness enthusiast from Birmingham, she was one of 14 initial housemates. Throughout her 42 days in the house, Roberts engaged in several notable interactions that highlighted tensions among the group. A prominent conflict occurred with housemate Jade Goody, escalating after Roberts alerted Goody to a verruca on her foot, prompting Goody to defensively question her own appearance in an emotional outburst. This exchange, centered on personal hygiene and sensitivity, contributed to Roberts' reputation for directness, though some viewers and housemates perceived her as stirring divisions. Roberts faced her first eviction nomination on day 39 alongside Goody, , and Kate. On day 43, July 5, 2002, she became the sixth housemate , receiving 62% of the public vote despite bookmakers favoring Goody's exit. Her departure drew boos and whistles from the live studio audience, reflecting polarized public sentiment. The attracted a peak audience share of 34% among terrestrial viewers, underscoring the series' high viewership at that stage.

I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!

Adele Roberts joined the 19th series of the ITV reality competition I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! as one of ten initial contestants entering the Australian jungle camp on 17 November 2019. The format required participants to perform Bushtucker Trials—challenges involving physical endurance, phobias, and consumption of unconventional bush foods—to earn stars for group meals, typically limited to basic rations like rice and beans otherwise. Roberts undertook several such trials, including the eating-focused "Just Desserts" on 20 November 2019, where, paired with , she consumed a pig's and other items, visibly retching during the ordeal. Camp dynamics included tensions arising from Roberts' luxury item: a framed photograph of British entertainer , whom she openly admired. This selection prompted a confrontation with Kemp, who expressed skepticism about its sincerity, leading Roberts to label his reaction as prejudiced; Kemp subsequently apologized. Fellow contestant remarked that the choice appeared aimed at garnering votes from particular viewer communities, such as those with affinity for McDonald. Roberts has described her overall experience positively, noting camaraderie despite hardships, and reported gastrointestinal discomfort during the stay, which she attributed at the time to the restrictive camp diet low in variety and nutrients. On 29 November 2019, after 14 days in camp, Roberts became the first elimination via public telephone and app vote, having failed to gain immunity in a prior Bushtucker Trial alongside . The result drew minor controversy when app votes were discounted due to ambiguous wording in the prompt, prompting some viewer complaints of unfairness, though official results stood. Exiting to hosts and , Roberts stated she was "amazed" to have lasted as long as she did, expressing no regrets.

Professional Career

Radio Broadcasting

Roberts began her radio career shortly after appearing on Big Brother in 2002, securing her first role at Rock FM in , where she presented the weekly "Smooth Grooves" urban music specialist show. In 2006, she moved to Galaxy FM (later rebranded as Capital FM), building experience in commercial radio before transitioning to the . She joined in 2012, hosting the 1:00–4:00 p.m. weekend slot focused on urban and . In May 2015, after three years at 1Xtra, Roberts transferred to to host the Early Breakfast Show, airing weekdays from 4:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., with occasional extensions to 7:00 a.m. on certain days. The program featured a mix of contemporary hits, artist interviews, and listener interaction, targeting early risers and shift workers. She maintained this role for eight years, also covering weekend breakfast slots starting in January 2021. Roberts presented her final Early Breakfast Show in May 2023 and confirmed her departure from Radio 1 on June 21, 2023, after a tenure spanning the BBC's network since 2012. Post-departure, she has undertaken select broadcasting projects, including a guest week on 2's Early Breakfast Show in December 2022.

DJing and Music Production

Roberts developed her DJing skills alongside her broadcasting career, beginning with club performances focused on house, R&B, and hip-hop genres. During her university years, she secured a residency at the SpeedQueen club, a venue known for its scene, which she maintained as an ongoing role. She has since expanded to live DJ sets at major events, including a performance as a special guest alongside at the on June 30, 2021. Another notable appearance was her DJ set in the Red Rum bar at following the final race on Ladies Day of the Randox Festival, April 14, 2023, drawing crowds post-racing. In addition to live performances, Roberts hosts DJ events for corporate clients such as and , as well as charity organizations like Choose Love, emphasizing high-energy sets tailored to event atmospheres. Roberts has contributed to music production through co-writing and releases on digital platforms. She received credits as a co-writer and performer on tracks like "Blood Red Sun" with Jim Breese and Christopher Lewis, included on the 2015 compilation EDM Pop, which features 19 tracks blending elements. Subsequent releases under her name include Euphoric Trap in 2022 and Heartbreak FM - Vocal Pop in 2024, available on , showcasing curated selections of vocal-driven electronic and pop tracks. These works reflect her involvement in mixing and selecting music, though specific production metrics such as sales figures or chart positions remain undocumented in public records.

Television and Other Media

Roberts served as a presenter for , contributing to coverage of major events. In 2019, she joined the London Marathon commentary team, working alongside broadcasters such as , , and to provide on-air analysis and reporting during the live broadcast. Following her departure from in 2023, Roberts transitioned into digital media production, launching the Adele Roberts - On The Run. The series, hosted by Roberts, features curated music mixes, New Music Friday segments, and thematic episodes tied to running and endurance activities, with releases including summer pool party specials and ongoing audio content distributed via platforms like . Roberts has made guest appearances on other podcasts to discuss her professional experiences and personal milestones, such as her 2025 episode on the 94%, where she addressed her broadcasting career, authorship, and athletic records as a sports commentator. These digital engagements mark her shift toward independent media output beyond traditional television formats.

Health Challenges

Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Roberts began experiencing early symptoms of bowel cancer, including bloating, reduced appetite, lethargy, and changes in bowel habits, during her participation in I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! in November 2019. Despite these indicators, she delayed consulting a for approximately two years, as she felt physically fit and attributed her condition to other factors rather than illness. In October 2021, at age 42, Roberts was diagnosed with stage 2 bowel cancer after diagnostic tests confirmed a tumor in her bowel. Treatment commenced promptly under the UK's (NHS) and included a course of to address the . In late October 2021, she underwent surgery to excise the tumor from her bowel, during which her was also removed, resulting in a permanent that she named "Audrey" to manage waste output. Roberts later described the procedure's outcomes as life-saving, emphasizing the NHS's role in her care. Follow-up and assessments in June 2022 verified that Roberts was cancer-free, with no detectable of recurrence.

Recovery and Complications

Following the completion of her and radiotherapy in 2021, Roberts managed ongoing effects from her , including the need for regular monitoring and adjustments to prevent output leakage or skin irritation around the site. In August 2022, she encountered a severe prolapse, where the intestine extended abnormally through the , resulting in her colon visibly protruding and requiring immediate manual repositioning at home with assistance from her partner to avoid emergency intervention. A subsequent prolapse occurred in October 2024, prompting medical evaluation and discussions of possible surgical revision to address the stoma's instability, as repeated prolapses can increase risks of ischemia or further herniation. Chemotherapy treatments also induced peripheral neuropathy, manifesting as shredded skin on the soles of her feet by January 2023, which impaired mobility and required prolonged recovery. Additionally, the regimen caused the loss of her fingerprints, a documented side effect from cytotoxic agents damaging dermal layers, complicating biometric identifications as late as January 2025. Roberts remains in remission as of 2025 but continues surveillance for recurrence through periodic scans and blood work, acknowledging the elevated long-term risk following stage three bowel cancer. In May 2025, low iron levels—likely attributable to surgical alterations in nutrient absorption and prior treatment—necessitated hospital-based testing to rule out or other deficiencies. These complications underscore the persistent physiological disruptions from oncologic interventions, including impaired gastrointestinal function and secondary hematologic imbalances.

Athletic Achievements

Pre-Diagnosis Fitness

Roberts developed an early affinity for during her childhood in , England, where physical activities served as an emotional escape amid a challenging family environment marked by financial hardship and instability. She has described sports as a "lifeline" that provided freedom and happiness, allowing her to feel alive despite the difficulties at home. Specifically, Roberts engaged in biking with local boys, an activity that fostered resilience and outdoor pursuit from a young age. As an adult, prior to her 2021 bowel cancer diagnosis, Roberts maintained a consistent running routine that contributed to her physical conditioning. She participated in the London Marathon in 2017 as part of Team Heads Together, focusing on awareness, and repeated the event in 2018. By 2019, her commitment to running was well-established, reflecting a personal passion rather than professional obligation. Roberts curated running playlists as late as 2020, indicating regular engagement with endurance activities. In the period leading up to her diagnosis in October 2021, Roberts reported being in the best physical shape of her life, attributing this to sustained fitness habits that emphasized cardiovascular over structured work. Earlier experiments, such as a 30-day challenge involving cardio and weight training, demonstrated her willingness to explore varied routines for personal improvement, though running remained central. These pre-diagnosis efforts built a foundation of stamina without formal achievements or competitive focus.

Post-Cancer Endurance Feats

Roberts completed the on April 23 in 3 hours, 30 minutes, and 22 seconds, establishing a for the fastest marathon time by a runner using a bag. She participated in again on April 21, 2024, finishing among the elite field while managing her stoma during the 26.2-mile course. From late 2024 through April 2025, Roberts tackled the series, completing six races—, , , , New York, and —with individual times ranging from 3:20:53 in to 3:36:15 in her 2025 finish, achieving the fastest aggregate time for a female runner with a . On August 31, 2025, she ran the TCS in 3:24:00, finalizing the expanded seven-Majors series in a cumulative 23 hours, 53 minutes, and 44 seconds and securing another for the fastest aggregate completion by a female with a . These feats involved adapting to stoma output fluctuations, bag changes mid-run, and physical demands equivalent to over 115 miles across continents.

Personal Life and Advocacy

Relationships

Roberts has been in a long-term relationship with Kate Holderness since meeting in 2004, when Roberts served as a presenter at Rock FM in , Holderness's local station. The couple, who cohabitate, marked 21 years together in February 2025 via public acknowledgment. Roberts has publicly identified as since at least 2013, describing challenges in during early career reflections. Roberts and Holderness have no children, a status consistent across public biographical details as of 2025. In a May 2025 interview, Roberts emphasized the centrality of her partnership with amid personal milestones, without reference to family expansion plans. The relationship has featured prominently in Roberts's disclosures on relational support, though no has been reported.

Public Advocacy and Awards

Roberts has engaged in public advocacy for LGBTQ+ visibility within , receiving nominations for Broadcaster of the Year at the Awards in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 for her on-air presence as an openly DJ. These nominations underscore efforts to promote representation in media, though the awards, organized by Diva Magazine, emphasize narrative contributions over measurable audience impact metrics. In June 2022, she won Role Model of the Year at the , cited for her candid sharing of a and ongoing support, which organizers described as setting an example for resilience amid health challenges. Post-diagnosis, Roberts has advocated for bowel cancer awareness by publicizing her stoma experiences to destigmatize ostomy life, including appearances discussing symptoms like those overlooked in her own case due to age assumptions. Her 2024 memoir, Personal Best: From Rock Bottom to the Top of the World, details the October 1, 2021, diagnosis, chemotherapy, surgery, and psychological struggles, positioning it as a resource for early detection and mental health coping among cancer patients. She has linked this to fundraising for cancer charities and ostomate inspiration, as noted in her 2024 National Diversity Awards shortlist for Celebrity of the Year. In June 2024, Roberts received the ICON award at the Attitude Pride Awards, honored for fostering positivity among cancer survivors through story-sharing, with the ceremony highlighting her transition from diagnosis to advocacy. Such recognitions from identity-focused outlets like Attitude reflect acclaim for personal fortitude, yet they often prioritize subjective inspiration over quantifiable advancements, such as verified increases in screening rates attributable to her efforts.

References

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