Adele Roberts – Biography, Cancer Battle and Life Today

Adele Roberts is a British broadcaster and DJ who first came to public attention as a housemate on Big Brother in 2002. She later built a long career at BBC Radio 1, becoming one of the station’s most recognisable voices. In 2021, she was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer, a turning point that transformed her from a radio host into a prominent advocate for cancer awareness and stoma care.

Roberts underwent surgery and chemotherapy, received a stoma bag she named “Audrey,” and was declared cancer-free in June 2022. Since then, she has spoken openly about her recovery, set a world record for running a marathon with a stoma, and continued to work in media and public speaking. Her story is one of resilience, visibility, and a determination to normalise conversations about bowel cancer and stoma bags.

Who Is Adele Roberts? Biography and Age

• Adele Roberts is a British broadcaster who rose to fame on Big Brother before joining BBC Radio 1.
• She was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2021 and has since become a prominent advocate for stoma awareness and cancer recovery.
• Adele is in a long-term relationship with Kate Holderness; they are not officially reported as married.
• Her 2025 interview with Leeds University documents her “second chance at life” philosophy.
• She openly manages life with a stoma bag and has inspired many through her social media presence.

Is Adele Roberts Married? Her Relationship with Kate Holderness

Who Is Kate Holderness?

Kate Holderness is Roberts’ long-term partner. The couple have been together since 2004, according to public records. Holderness has been described by Roberts as her “counsellor, mentor and the best nurse ever” during her cancer treatment. She appeared alongside Roberts on Celebrity Coach Trip in 2020.

Does Adele Roberts Have Children?

There is no publicly confirmed information that Adele Roberts has children. She often refers to her stoma bag, named “Audrey,” playfully as her child. Roberts and Holderness do not appear to have any children, based on available sources.

Are They Married?

Media reports consistently refer to Holderness as Roberts’ partner, not her wife. While the couple are in a committed long-term relationship, official confirmation of a marriage has not been publicly made. This reflects broader societal shifts in how relationships are described, but it remains an area of uncertainty.

What Illness Did Adele Roberts Have? Her Cancer Journey and Stoma

Diagnosis and Treatment

In October 2021, Roberts was diagnosed with stage two bowel cancer after noticing blood in her stool and visiting her GP. She underwent a low anterior resection and ileostomy surgery, which resulted in the removal of her rectum and the fitting of a stoma bag. She then received chemotherapy.

Stoma Bag “Audrey”

Roberts named her stoma bag “Audrey” and has used it to break stigma. She appeared on the cover of Women’s Health magazine with the bag visible, a bold move that drew widespread attention. She has spoken about the emotional and practical challenges of living with a stoma, but also about the gratitude she feels for the life it saved.

Remission and Recovery

In June 2022, Roberts announced she was cancer-free and had received the all-clear. She remains in remission as of the latest reports. She has run six marathons in eight months post-cancer, including Berlin, Chicago, New York, Tokyo, Boston, and London. In April 2023, she set a Guinness World Record as the fastest woman to run the London Marathon with a stoma bag (3:30:22).

Did Adele Roberts Appear on Big Brother? Her Career Timeline

Big Brother and Early Radio Work

Roberts entered the Big Brother house in 2002 as a housemate on the third series of Channel 4’s reality show. She placed 6th. After the show, she built a radio career at Rock FM, The Hits Radio, and Galaxy/Capital Radio, before joining BBC Radio 1Xtra in 2012 and moving to BBC Radio 1 in 2015.

BBC Radio 1 and Guinness World Record

In May 2020, Roberts became the first mixed-race woman to host Radio 1’s breakfast show. She presented her last show on the station in May 2024 after eight years. Her departure opened the door to broader media work, speaking engagements, and cancer advocacy. She also set a Guinness World Record in 2023 for the fastest marathon with a stoma bag.

Adele Roberts: Life and Career Timeline

1. 1979 – Born in Southport, Merseyside, England.
2. 2003 – Entered the Big Brother house as a housemate on Series 4.
3. 2005–2012 – Worked in local and digital radio presenting.
4. 2012 – Joined BBC Radio 1 as a presenter.
5. 2015 – Became presenter of the BBC Radio 1 Weekend Breakfast Show.
6. 2021 – Diagnosed with bowel cancer, underwent surgery and chemotherapy.
7. 2022 – Shared stoma journey publicly; became advocate for cancer awareness.
8. 2023 – Declared in remission; continues regular broadcasting work.
9. 2024–2025 – Featured in Leeds University 2025 magazine; ongoing public speaking and media appearances.

What We Know and What Is Unconfirmed

What Is Adele Roberts’ Book About and Where Is She Now?

Roberts published a book titled Personal Best, which details her cancer journey and the lessons she learned about resilience and self-care. The book is part of her broader advocacy work, encouraging early detection and normalising stoma bags. As of 2025, she continues to take on speaking engagements, media appearances, and cancer charity campaigns. She left Radio 1 in May 2024 but remains active in broadcasting and public speaking.

Her career arc from reality TV to respected broadcaster shows versatility and media evolution. Her open advocacy aligns with increased public interest in bowel cancer, particularly among younger demographics. She represents a growing trend of public figures using their platform to destigmatise cancer and stoma care.

Key Sources and Quotes

“After recovering from bowel cancer, broadcaster and DJ Adele Roberts has been given a second chance at life – and is making the most of it.”

Leeds University Spotlight 2025 magazine

“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.”

Wikipedia

“Proud parent to Audrey the stoma.”

Adele Roberts’ Instagram (paraphrased)

Adele Roberts: A Second Chance at Life

Adele Roberts’ story is one of transformation. From a Big Brother contestant to a BBC Radio 1 host, and from a cancer diagnosis to a remission that she has used to educate and inspire, she has turned her platform into a force for good. Her openness about her stoma bag and her advocacy for bowel cancer awareness have made her a role model, particularly for others navigating similar health challenges. For more profiles of broadcasters, read about Nicki Chapman and Gina Yashere.

Frequently Asked Questions About Adele Roberts