Radio 1’s Adele Roberts says she “owes NHS my life” as she returns to air
"I feel amazing. I'm lucky, I'm happy, and I'm buzzing to be back"
BBC Radio 1 presenter Adele Roberts has praised the NHS after returning to her radio show following surgery for bowel cancer.
The 42-year-old returned to the ‘Weekend Breakfast Show’ on Saturday (November 27), following a bowel cancer diagnosis in early October.
The surgery took place at the end of last month, and she has been recuperating since.
During the show she said: “The good news is, they found the tumour… they’ve taken it away. My body is on the mend and I am here.”
“It’s a huge testament to the skill and knowledge and level of care at the NHS. They’re amazing. I owe them my life.”
“I can’t thank them enough,” she added.
She continued: “I can’t believe it – it’s a month since I had my surgery and I’ve got goosebumps. A month on, it’s incredible what the body is capable of.
“I feel amazing. I’m lucky, I’m happy, and I’m buzzing to be back.”
Roberts said she has nicknamed her new stoma ‘Audrey’, adding: “While my body heals from the surgery, I’ve got a new little friend.”
“She’s kind of like a front bum; while my old bottom heals, I now go to the toilet on the front,” she explained. “But don’t worry it’s all wrapped up today!”
The BBC presenter, who has also been a contestant in ‘Big Brother’ and ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ shared her diagnosis with Instagram followers after she had experienced digestion problems.
“I’ll be honest, I was embarrassed but I also knew that it could be something serious,” Roberts wrote.
“So I went just in case. I didn’t think anything of it at first and just assumed it might be food sensitivity. After a few phone calls I was sent for some examinations and checks. I was then diagnosed with bowel cancer.
“It’s all happened so quickly and I’m so sorry to post something like this on here but I hope it helps anyone who might be worrying, or suffering in silence. PLEASE make sure you get checked out if you have ANY concerns. The sooner you’re able to see your GP or talk to someone the sooner you can get help. If I hadn’t I might not be so lucky.”
After the surgery she thanked the NHS along with fans for their support.
“God bless the NHS. I cannot believe how hard they work and how much they care, they’re angels on earth. They’re next level – so special,” she wrote on Instagram.