03 December 2023 , 19:17
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DJ Adele Roberts has described 2023 as "the best year of my life," as she prepares to compete on Dancing on Ice with her 'beautiful' skating partner Mark Hanretty.
The 44-year-old celebrated the all-clear from bowel cancer in June 2022 after she was diagnosed with the disease in October 2021, and has since prioritized embracing everything life has to offer. Adele, who underwent chemotherapy and surgery to remove a tumour before having a stoma bag fitted, revealed that hearing the positive news "took my breath away" and that she was "so grateful" to be in recovery. The BBC Radio 1 host, who refers to her stoma as 'Audrey', has now opened up about her extraordinary year as she gears up for the exciting challenge.
Adele Roberts will be the first Dancing on Ice celebrity to compete with a stoma bag (adeleroberts/Instagram)
Adele Roberts celebrated the all-clear from bowel cancer in June 2022 (Getty Images)"It's the year that I've become most connected to myself, most appreciative of life and one where I can't wait for the future and I never used to feel like that," Adele told Hello! "I spent so many years trapped in this cycle of hatred for my body. But it's like, with the cancer came a release. I think of it now as symbolic of the sadness I used to feel; it was a shackle on me and once it was cut out of me, I was free. Now I'm able to see my body for what it is beautiful and amazing."
Adele also revealed that she is determined to prove she can do Dancing On Ice with a stoma, despite not being able to skate or dance. "It's definitely easier and safer enjoying it from your sofa," she admitted. "When I first got my stoma, there was a lot of focus on what I couldn't do and I wanted to flip that on its head and be like: 'No, actually, there's so much I can do,'" she shares.
Adele is admittedly thrilled to be paired with professional skater Mark, who has been part of the Dancing on Ice team for over a decade. "I knew he'd be able to protect me in terms of my body, that he'd be mindful of my stoma and adapt the way we work. I think he was a bit frightened at first because he didn't want to hurt me, but that didn't last," she continued. "He's such a beautiful, graceful dancer and I wanted him to help me learn that." Adele also gushed about Mark, 38, on Instagram, revealing she "can’t believe I’m now getting the privilege of skating" with the Scottish ice skater. "If one ounce of your brilliance rubs off on me, I’ll be over the moon! I will work so hard for you and give this my all."
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