Adele Roberts has shared the tragic news that her mother died just days before she took to the ice for the first time on Sunday's Dancing on Ice.
Roberts' stint on the ice was an emotional one as, despite pro partner Mark Hanretty slipping over live on-air, Roberts bagged the joint highest score of the series so far.
The radio DJ was left in tears as she thanked the show and Hanretty for giving her the chance to perform just over two years after being diagnosed with bowel cancer.
However, she didn't reveal to ITV viewers that the performance had another poignant meaning as she'd dedicated it to her late mother.
On social media soon after her DOI debut, Roberts shared the news alongside a snap of her with her mum.
"For you Mum," Roberts began in her tribute. "Tonight’s performance was dedicated to the memory of my beautiful Mum, Jackie Roberts. 01.09.62 - 04.01.24.
"I didn’t want to say anything until I’d managed to get through our routine tonight. So apologies if it seemed I was overly emotional. My heart is broken and I miss my mum so much.
"Saying goodbye to her this week was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. My mum got to see the start of our routine… and tonight I wanted to finish it in her honour.
"To my family. Thank you for keeping my head up and for giving me the strength to carry on.
"Thank you also to all the amazing people who came to help us say goodbye to her this week. You brought us so much comfort standing by our side."
"Thank you to the whole incredible Dancing On Ice team for guiding me through one of the toughest weeks of my life. Especially you @markhanretty.
"I know how much you wanted to help me do my mum proud and I know it would have been playing on your mind all night. You are incredible. Thank you for teaching me to dance, to skate and joy of expressing emotion through my body. Your sport is so beautiful. I still can’t believe tonight happened."
Roberts then turned her attention to her fans: "Thank you to every single person who has supported us so far. We are absolutely blown away by your encouragement and kindness. Mark and I are truly grateful and we promise to keep trying our best and give it 100%."
And she signed off with a few words directed at her mother: "And to my biggest supporter from day one - my incredible mum. Goodnight my love.
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Adele Roberts was left in tears following her Dancing on Ice debut
ITV
"I shall think of you and miss you everyday of my life. Forever my hero. Until we meet again," Roberts concluded.
It didn't take long for Roberts' Dancing on Ice colleagues to react to the news, including pro skater Vicky Ogden who replied: "Such a beautiful performance she would have been watching and so proud. Sending love. Xxx."
Former DOI champion Alex Murphy, who'd previously told GB News she thinks Roberts could win the show, added: "Oh Adele I love you so much. sending you so so much love. So proud of you always."
Dancing on Ice judge Oti Mabuse commented: "She would be so proud of you," followed by a love heart emoji.
While pro skater Colin Grafton also shared: "You’re incredible Adele ! That one was for her," followed by a string of love heart emojis. (sic)
