Adele Roberts opens up about 'privilege' of raising stoma awareness on Dancing on Ice 

Virgin Radio

10 Mar 2024, 16:12

Adele Roberts has shared what it has been like to be the first person to compete on Dancing On Ice with a stoma bag. 

Adele went against Ryan Thomas and Miles Nazaire in the hope of winning this year’s Dancing On Ice trophy. Olympian Greg Rutherford was also due to take part in the final but had to pull out at the last minute due to an injury. 

Adele underwent colostomy surgery following her cancer diagnosis in 2021 and has since been living with a stoma bag, which she has lovingly nicknamed ‘Audrey’.

Ahead of the final, Adele spoke to virginradio.co.uk and other press about navigating the competition with her stoma bag. She said: “I'm still getting used to having a stoma because I've not had one that long, and some people have them from birth. The way that the ostomate community have supported me, it's been amazing. 

“All the other contestants as well—they've all helped me in their own way, and all the pros. It is a privilege. It's a privilege to be on this show and to be the first one, I think, in the show's history to have a stoma and to work out how to train with the stoma and when to eat, when to drink and what to do when a bag starts coming off, which it has done.”

Adele was the only woman left in the competition in the final. She told us: “I’m honoured to be the last woman standing, and I really hope I can do all my girls proud in this competition.

“I know that a lot of people have said that the show doesn't necessarily lead to female winners, and there hasn't been one for a while, but I guess I'm just going to bring my A game and just go for it.”

Corrie’s Ryan Thomas eventually won with his professional partner Amani Fancy.

Adele has since spoken to Chris Evans at Virgin Radio about her cancer journey. The Dancing on Ice star recounted the day that she learned of her diagnosis. She said: “You leave the hospital, your head's spinning, but then you just sort of autopilot, carry on with your day. And I went straight to buying some chicken fillets from the supermarket, because I was just like, ‘What just happened?’ 

“I kind of had to operate as normal, had to do the radio, went on Celebrity Mastermind randomly, did some DJ gigs. And then I just thought that week, though, was a very special week, because I savoured every moment. And since my diagnosis, I've understood the importance of time and how precious it is. And so I'm very present now in every moment."

Incredibly, just 18 months after her diagnosis, Adele ran across the finish line of the 2023 London Marathon, setting a new Guinness World Record as the fastest female to complete a marathon with an ileostomy. Her finish-time was a remarkable 3:30:22!

She revealed a HUGE new running challenge while talking to Chris. Read about it here.

Meanwhile, after Matt Forde spoke to Chris Evans about having a stoma following his own cancer treatment, Adele sent him a message of support.

Comedian and podcast host Matt was diagnosed with cancer last year, and had the base of his spine removed. Joining the Chris Evans Breakfast Show, he said: “I've now got a stoma and a colostomy bag, because the nerves to the bladder and the bowel are on that part of the spine.”

After Matt praised other ostomates, including Adele, she wrote on X: "This is so wonderful Matt! Thank you so much!.. and thank you for everything you’re doing to raise awareness. You’ll be helping and inspiring so many. Absolute legend 🙌🏽♥️”

Dancing On Ice airs on ITV and ITVX.

For more great interviews listen to The Chris Evans Breakfast Show weekdays from 6:30am on Virgin Radio, or catch up on-demand here.