DJ Adele Roberts, 45, has opened up about her journey from a cancer diagnosis that nearly cost her life to embracing life as a 'dancing queen'. In a candid interview, she credits her GP for saving her life by insisting on tests despite being told she was 'too young for cancer'.
Roberts, who underwent treatment for bowel cancer, now proudly speaks about her colostomy bag, which she has named 'Audrey' after the plant in Little Shop of Horrors. 'She keeps me alive – and that’s beautiful,' Roberts said, adding that she is determined to be 'loud and proud' about it to combat the shame many feel.
The former Radio 1 DJ also reflected on her upbringing as the eldest of six children in a mixed-race family in Southport, facing racism but finding solace in music. A private school scholarship, she says, changed her life by showing her what was possible.
Roberts, who has a girlfriend named Kate, spoke about improving lesbian representation in media, noting that inclusivity often focuses on gay men. She also revealed that Prince William used to text her regularly and once visited Radio 1 to wish her luck before the London Marathon.
Her memoir, 'Personal Best', is published by Hodder Catalyst and is out now.
