Adele Roberts is a British broadcaster and DJ who rose to fame on Big Brother, built a career at BBC Radio 1, and later became one of the country’s most visible advocates for bowel cancer awareness and stoma acceptance. Her journey from reality TV contestant to marathon runner and author has been marked by resilience and a willingness to speak openly about her health.
Born in Southport, Merseyside, on 9 March 1979, Roberts first entered the public eye in 2002 as a housemate on Big Brother 3. She finished seventh, but the exposure launched a career in broadcasting that would span more than two decades. In radio, she found a medium that suited her after the intense scrutiny of reality television.
In October 2021, Roberts announced she had been diagnosed with bowel cancer. The diagnosis set off a chain of events that included surgery, chemotherapy, and the fitting of a permanent stoma — a life change she has since turned into a platform for advocacy. She named her stoma bag Audrey and has spoken candidly about learning to live with it, reducing stigma around ostomies in the process.
Who Is Adele Roberts?
Adele Claire Roberts
9 March 1979 (age 46 in 2025)
BBC Radio 1 DJ, Big Brother 3 contestant, bowel cancer advocate, author
Kate Holderness (unmarried)
Key Insights
- Adele Roberts transformed her public image from reality TV contestant to an inspirational figure through her cancer journey and stoma advocacy.
- Her stoma, named Audrey, has become a central part of her identity and social media brand.
- She set a Guinness World Record in 2023 for the fastest woman to run the London Marathon with a stoma bag, finishing in 3:30:22.
- Despite strong search volume for “child,” she does not have children — the confusion stems from her referring to her stoma as “Audrey, my child.”
- She is bisexual and actively campaigns for LGBTQ rights.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Birthplace | Southport, Merseyside, England |
| Occupation | Broadcaster, DJ, Author, Marathon runner |
| Notable TV appearance | Big Brother UK Series 3 (2002) |
| Cancer diagnosis | Bowel cancer, October 2021 |
| Stoma | Permanent ileostomy named Audrey |
| Guinness World Record | Fastest woman to run London Marathon with a stoma bag (2023) |
| Relationship | With Kate Holderness for approximately 22 years |
Is Adele Roberts Married? Who Is Her Partner?
Adele Roberts is not married, but she has been in a long-term relationship with Kate Holderness for approximately 22 years. Holderness, who is not a public figure, has been described by Roberts as a major source of strength during her cancer treatment and recovery.
Roberts has spoken about how Holderness supported her through grief, cancer treatment, and the process of adapting to life with a stoma. Although some media outlets informally refer to Holderness as Roberts’ “wife,” the two are not legally married as of 2025.
Roberts has said she and Holderness have been together for about 22 years. The couple met before Roberts’ rise to fame on Big Brother, and Holderness has remained a private figure throughout Roberts’ public career.
Does Adele Roberts Have a Child?
No, Adele Roberts does not have a human child. The confusion around this question stems from her frequent and affectionate references to her stoma bag, which she named Audrey, as her “child.” On social media, she has described herself as a “proud parent to Audrey the stoma.”
This playful framing has led to search queries about whether Roberts has children, but all available sources confirm she does not. Her focus has been on her broadcasting career, her advocacy work, and her relationship with Kate Holderness.
What Is Adele Roberts’ Stoma and Her Cancer Journey?
Diagnosis and Treatment
In October 2021, Roberts announced she was being treated for bowel cancer after receiving the diagnosis earlier that month. She underwent surgery to remove a tumour, followed by chemotherapy. A permanent stoma — an ileostomy — was created during the surgery.
In June 2022, Roberts shared that she had been given the all-clear and was cancer free. She has since said the diagnosis changed how she views her body, making her appreciate modern medicine and the stoma that saved her life.
Audrey the Stoma and Advocacy
Roberts named her stoma bag Audrey and has spoken publicly about learning to live with it. She has used her platform to reduce stigma around stomas, sharing her experiences on social media and in interviews. In 2023, she set a Guinness World Record for the fastest woman to run the London Marathon with a stoma bag, finishing in 3:30:22.
Roberts’ openness about her stoma — including naming it and showing it on social media — has been widely credited with helping others feel less alone in their own experiences with ostomies. She has said she wants to show that life with a stoma can still be active and fulfilling.
What Is Adele Roberts’ Book About?
Adele Roberts authored a book titled The Stoma, published in 2024. The book details her cancer journey, her experience of living with an ileostomy, and the life lessons she learned along the way. It combines personal narrative with practical insight for others facing similar health challenges.
The book has been promoted through her social media channels and public appearances, forming part of her broader advocacy work. As of mid-2025, she continues to give talks and interviews about survivorship and the importance of early detection.
Timeline of Key Events in Adele Roberts’ Life
- 9 March 1979: Born in Southport, Merseyside, England.
- 2002: Contestant on Big Brother 3; finishes seventh.
- 2012–2022: Works as a DJ at BBC Radio 1, including early morning shows.
- October 2021: Diagnosed with bowel cancer.
- November 2021: Surgery to remove tumour; permanent stoma created.
- June 2022: Declared cancer free.
- 2023: Sets Guinness World Record for fastest woman to run London Marathon with a stoma bag.
- April 2024: Publishes book The Stoma.
- 2025: Featured in Leeds University Spotlight magazine; continues broadcasting and public speaking.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Adele Roberts
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Adele Roberts and Kate Holderness are partners but not legally married. | Whether the couple plans to marry in the future. |
| Roberts does not have a human child. | N/A — this is clearly confirmed across multiple sources. |
| She is cancer free as of 2025. | Her long-term prognosis and ongoing medical check-up schedule are private. |
| Her book is titled The Stoma and was published in 2024. | Exact publisher details and print run figures are not widely reported. |
What Does Adele Roberts’ Story Mean in a Broader Context?
Adele Roberts represents a shift in how public figures handle health crises: from private battles to public advocacy. Her openness about her stoma — including naming it and sharing her marathon journey — has helped destigmatise life with an ostomy. Her marathon run with a stoma bag was widely covered in the media and inspired many others living with similar conditions.
Roberts continues to work as a broadcaster and author, balancing her pre-cancer career with a new sense of purpose. She has said the diagnosis gave her a second chance at life, and she aims to make the most of it by using her platform to inform and inspire others.
Sources and Key Quotes About Adele Roberts
“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)
“Broadcaster • Author Sharing recovery post cancer Proud parent to Audrey the stoma”
— Adele Roberts’ Instagram bio (@adeleroberts)
Roberts’ story has been covered by national media in the UK, including The Times and Women’s Health, and her advocacy work has been recognised by institutions such as the University of Leeds. Her willingness to speak openly about her body and her recovery continues to resonate with audiences.
For more stories of British public figures living with health conditions and using their platform for advocacy, see our article on Adam Pearson – Actor, Advocate, and Neurofibromatosis Story. You can also read about Cain Dingle – Actor, Cancer Storyline and Leaving Rumours for another perspective on how cancer narratives intersect with public life.
Summary: Who Is Adele Roberts and Why Does Her Story Matter?
Adele Roberts is a British DJ, broadcaster, and author who first became known through Big Brother and later through her candid and inspiring response to a bowel cancer diagnosis. Her willingness to name her stoma, run marathons, and speak openly about her body has made her a powerful advocate for stoma awareness and cancer survivorship. Her story is one of transformation — from reality TV contestant to a public figure who uses her platform to educate and empower others.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adele Roberts
What is Adele Roberts’ full name?
Adele Claire Roberts.
How did Adele Roberts get her stoma?
She had a permanent ileostomy created during surgery for bowel cancer in November 2021.
Is Adele Roberts still with BBC Radio 1?
She left BBC Radio 1 in 2022 but continues to work as a DJ and broadcaster on other platforms.
Did Adele Roberts write a book?
Yes, her book titled The Stoma was published in 2024, detailing her cancer journey and life with an ostomy.
What is Adele Roberts’ Instagram handle?
@adeleroberts
Did Adele Roberts win Big Brother?
No, she was a housemate on Big Brother 3 in 2002 and finished seventh.
What is Adele Roberts’ stoma bag called?
She named her stoma bag Audrey.
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Rebecca Marsh is Managing Editor at BritView.uk, running the daily news list and publishing schedule.