Dancing on Ice's Adele Roberts announces death of mother

Dancing on Ice contestant Adele Roberts has announced the sad news that her mother Jackie has died, aged 61.

The radio DJ and professional partner Mark Hanretty made their debut on the ice last night (January 21), performing to 'Hard to Handle' by The Black Crowes. As Roberts revealed on her Instagram, the dance was a tribute to her late mum, who passed away earlier this month.

"Tonight's performance was dedicated to the memory of my beautiful Mum, Jackie Roberts.01.09.62 - 04.01.24," she wrote, alongside a photo and video of herself with her mother in hospital.

Related: Adele Roberts praises Dancing on Ice co-star for helping her "reclaim" her body after cancer

"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," she continued.

"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."

Adele also thanked her family for "keeping my head up and for giving me the strength to carry on" as well as everyone who comforted the family and helped them say goodbye.

She also praised the entire Dancing on Ice team and her professional skating partner Mark, writing: "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."

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Adele was awarded the joint-highest score of the series so far for her routine with Mark – 27.5 out of a maximum 40 points.

Her message continued: "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 to my biggest supporter from day one – my incredible mum. Goodnight my love. I shall think of you and miss you everyday of my life. Forever my hero. Until we meet again."

Adele's Dancing on Ice colleagues have been sharing their condolences, with Greg Rutherford writing: "So sorry to hear this... your resilience blows my mind. What an absolutely incredible human you are.

"Sending so much love and support, looking forward to seeing you in the week and giving you the biggest hug."

"She would be so proud of you," added Dancing on Ice judge Oti Mabuse.

"You are such a beautiful brave woman and your mum would have been so proud," Claire Sweeney wrote.

Ryan Thomas and Miles Nazaire were also among those sharing messages of support, along with Dancing on Ice professional skaters Brendyn Hatfield, Vicky Ogden and Colin Grafton.

Dancing on Ice airs on ITV1 and streams on ITVX.

Joe Anderton is a freelance news writer and resident Welsh person at Digital Spy, having worked there since 2016. 

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