BBC Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts has revealed that her stomach cancer diagnosis has helped to bring her closer to fiancee Kate Holderness.
The presenter, 43, announced in October that she had to undergo treatment and have a tumour surgically removed.
She now uses a stoma bag, which attaches to her abdomen and collects her faeces, while she has also had to have chemotherapy.
Speaking to Hello! magazine, she said: "It sounds strange but it’s brought us closer than ever.
"I’ve always loved Kate but since my diagnosis I’ve seen a different side to her. She’s my counsellor, my mentor and the best nurse ever.
"She helped me when I could barely walk and had to shuffle into work at Radio 1. She’s my absolute hero."
In reply, Kate added: "I’ve always been a timid person but Adele’s illness has unleashed a strength in me I never knew I had.”
Adele was told of her diagnosis on October 1 last year.
Speaking about the day she found out, she continued: "After a scan, the doctor broke the bad news. My first question was: ‘Am I going to die – and is it my fault?’
"I felt bad for putting Kate and my family through that, but now I know that getting cancer is nobody’s fault, and that sadly it will happen to one in two of us.”
Kate added: “I was devastated. But I held back the tears because I didn’t want her to think that I thought she wouldn’t beat it.
"So I went into practical mode, writing down everything the doctor said."
Last month, Adele admitted she "looked up to" partner Kate now. She also opened up about podcast host Dame Deborah James, who has recently revealed she is receiving end-of-life care after being diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2016.
"It hit me hard," she told Naga Munchetty on BBC Radio 5 Live.
"It feels a little bit selfish saying that because it is not about me. It’s about Deborah.
"The heart-breaking reality of what she is going through, but then seeing her be so strong and give back to people in her time of need. (I) don’t know how she does it. She is amazing. And it is a pleasure for me to watch that journey unfold."
Adele's latest interview is available in the latest Hello! magazine.
