
Ask DJ and soon-to-be Dancing on Ice contestant Adele Roberts to sum up 2023, and her reply is succinct and perhaps a little surprising.
"The best year of my life," the 44-year-old tells HELLO!, in her first interview since it was revealed she would be taking part in the popular ITV show, paired with experienced professional skater Mark Hanretty.
"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," says the former BBC Radio 1 presenter, who continues her recovery from treatment for bowel cancer, with which she was diagnosed in October 2021, "I used to be so down on myself; so negative. 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."
A RECORD-BREAKER
It's the body that, in April, helped Adele set a new Guinness World Record at the London Marathon as the fastest woman with a stoma (an opening in the abdomen that allows waste to pass safely from the body into a bag) to complete the 26-mile fundraising event.
She achieved this less than a year after finishing gruelling chemotherapy following life-saving surgery, in a time of three hours, 30 mins and 22 seconds.
"That's faster than the personal best I'd set before my diagnosis," Adele, an experienced runner, tells us proudly.
Audrey, as she named her stoma, even had her own runner's number.
This story is from the December 11, 2023 edition of HELLO! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 11, 2023 edition of HELLO! UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In

BY ROYAL APPOINTMENT
Hairdresser to the stars Jo Hansford tells us about her journey from humble roots to forming a close bond with the Queen

STAR POWER LAUNCHES FASHION WEEK
London's trend-setting extravaganza opens with young designer Harris Reed's 'rebellious' collection - with a special appearance by Florence Pugh

HOW DREW FOUND HERSELF AT 50
Hollywood star Drew Barrymore has been in the public eye since she was seven. Now, she explains how becoming a mother has transformed her once troubled life

VEGAN WITH A TWIST
Packed with expert tips and creative ideas, a new book from the people behind a plant-based meal kit service will inspire you to craft delicious and entirely vegan meals from scratch

FROM STOCKPORT TO STARDOM
Aimee Lou Wood, whose acting career took off after she starred in much-loved comedy Sex Education, discusses her latest role in hit show The White Lotus and how she's adjusting to fame

STARS BRING GLITZ TO BERLIN
Celebrities turn out in style for the city's renowned film festival, with Tilda Swinton revealing how visiting the Berlinale in her youth changed her life

A POWER DUO ON THE WORLD STAGE
Amid global political turmoil, the UK is entering a new age of royal diplomacy, with the Prince and Princess of Wales playing a vital role in smoothing relations with President Trump

PEPSI BRINGS THE FIZZ
In her first novel, former Wham! backing vocalist Pepsi Demacque-Crockett tells her family's extraordinary story

LIVE WELL
Reboot your routine at one of these trending wellness destinations...

CREATING A SAFE SPACE
Jan Gerber's Swiss countryside retreat isn't just where he lives with his partner Jil, they make it a welcoming space for friends - and his billionaire health clinic clients