Adele thanks Netflix hit for ‘changing relationship with son’

Brit pop icon Adele has attributed the Netflix hit Adolescence to ‘changing her relationship’ with son Angelo.

The Rolling in the Deep songstress, 37, shares her 13-year-old son with ex-husband Simon Konecki, 51.

Mother and son have apparently been overwatching the Stephen Graham crime drama together.

Released on Netflix in March, Adolescence follows the fallout as teenager Katie is brutally stabbed to death by 13-year-old classmate Jamie (Owen Cooper).

As the youth is taken into custody and questioned over the crime, he reveals a terrifying attitude to masculinity and gender roles.

Its hard-hitting story has resonated with audiences around the world – including Adele, who was so taken by its message that she penned letters to the show’s director, Philip Barantini.

Speaking at a masterclass with the Royal Television Society, Philip spoke of the global impact Adolescence had found since its release.

‘I am getting messages, inundated on Instagram, from people from all over the world who can relate to this story or have really been affected by it. That, for me, has blown my mind a little bit,’ The Sun reported him as saying.

He continued: ‘I had a text message from Steven Spielberg, who has watched it twice, and I got letters from Adele last week – handwritten letters from Adele.

‘I mean, just like saying that she had watched it with her son, and it has changed their relationship.’

The show has sparked debate in all circles since its release on March 13, with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer going so far as to suggest it be played in schools.

Writing for Metro, the Prime Minister said: ‘As a father, watching Adolescence with my teenage son and daughter, it hit home hard.

‘Adolescence has given a voice to everyone fearful and isolated, wondering what to do and wanting to change the culture of male violence.

‘It has lit a touchpaper. It may save lives. It has the power to change our country.

‘I am so pleased that as many people as possible will watch it.’

The show has been watched by over 141million people so far, setting the record for most views for a limited series within the first two weeks of release.

It has propelled young star Owen into the stratosphere, appearing in a music video for Sam Fender last month, with a role in Emerald Fennell’s new Wuthering Heights adaptation still to come.

Meanwhile, screen dad Stephen has speculated on how a second series might play out, suggesting that it could follow a different story and different family.

‘If we were to go again, would I like it to go again? With a different story completely? Yes,’ he told Variety.

When not bonding with her son over the Netflix smash, Adele has reportedly been making plans to grow her family.

Shortly after her 2021 divorce, she began seeing American sports agent Rich Paul, 44.

Last year, she appeared to confirm that she and Paul were engaged, showing off a sparkling engagement ring while on stage at her Las Vegas residency.

This came as one fan unveiled a marriage proposal via a sign in the crowd, reading: Will you marry me?’

She replied: ‘I can’t marry you because I’m already getting married’ – showcasing a dazzling ring to rapturous applause from the crowd.

Earlier in 2024, Adele also revealed plans for a second child, telling her audience: ‘Once I am done with all my ­obligations and all of my shows, I want to have a baby.

‘I want a girl because I’ve already got a boy. I feel like she might be like the person I love the most in the world, but also probably hate the most in the world – that is what I feel will happen.’

Her relationship with son Angelo might be going from strength to strength (thanks, Adolescence!) but she doesn’t anticipate a daughter being such smooth sailing.

‘She’s going to put me in my place all the time, isn’t she?’ she joked.

‘With me as her mother and Rich as her father, she’s going to be a bossy little queen, isn’t she?’

Adolescence is streaming on Netflix now.

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