Michelle Heaton’s journey from desperate drug addiction to clean, healthy living serves as a beacon of hope to others who are struggling with their demons – and an inspirational story of how someone can change their life for the better.
Fans were heartbroken last year when 42-year-old Michelle revealed she had been near death before those closest to her encouraged her to seek help following a three-year cocaine and booze binge.
The pop star – who was a member of chart topping band Liberty X, is married to personal trainer Hugh Hanley, and is proud mum to 10-year-old daughter Faith and eight-year-old son Aaron – has since transformed herself into a healthy, happy and sober person.
The end of April has marked a full year since Michelle pulled herself back from the brink – and here is a look back at her incredible recovery story.
Rock bottom
It was April last 2021 that Michelle was encouraged to get help as she found herself close to death and living on a diet of alcohol and drugs.
She told Closer magazine this week that she was at rock bottom, saying: “I’d given up on life. At my lowest point, I'd wake up in the morning and pray for someone to help me or I just wanted to die.
“I didn't care about losing my family or friends, it was only about where the next drink was coming from. My skin was grey, I was exhausted and my body was completely unrecognisable and bloated.”
She checked into a rehabilitation facility where she received top treatment, help and support to get her off drink and drugs and she began her journey to rebuild her life.
Intervention
Michelle has credited celebrity friends including Katie Price for saving her life after they clubbed together to pay for her stint in rehab.
Opening up about the intervention, Michelle told The Sun last year: "I texted Katie while I was in The Priory, ‘You saved my life’. Because The Priory did save my life...
"I was crying out for help when I couldn’t actually ask for help. But when you’re an addict, it feels like there’s no way out."
Recalling the moment her friends offered their support, Michelle added: "I was shaking and I was crying. I was intoxicated. Katie Price said, 'Right, you’re going to The Priory’'
"My first instinct was ‘Thank God’. I never asked for help but they could see I needed it."
Priory treatment
With the help of her family and friends, Michelle got the treatment she needed in the Priory where she spent four weeks getting support and treatment.
She also explained that she returned to the facility just over two months after she left the facility to check in with her therapist and some of the other patients she met during her own stay.
Giving a video update via social media while out for a walk last June, Michelle said: “I just wanted to say that I feel so much better today than I did do last week.
“I visited my home Priory yesterday and got to see my therapist and some of the guys I was in there with, looking great. They are leaving today some of them and I wish them all the best.”
She continued: “I just wanted to say thank you for everyone’s support out there. I feel like I’m in this new exclusive club, it’s really bizarre. The people that are reaching out to me, my friends from the past and present.
“You never know what somebody’s going through and if you need help out there, just reach out and ask for it. There is so much help. And I feel so blessed.”
Loving husband
Throughout her battle, Michelle’s husband has been at her side – but the couple admit that her struggles put a strain on their relationship.
Speaking to Closer magazine, Michelle revealed: “I’m completely honest with Hugh now and he feels like he's got his wife back.”
Speaking to OK! Magazine last year, Hugh explained why he refused to walk away from the marriage, saying: "We’ve been together for 14 years now, so I was well aware of who Michelle is and that this wasn’t her.
“I just think it was the desire and hope to get my wife back."
While Michelle paid a heartfelt tribute to Hugh on Valentines Day this year, writing online that he: “Helped me through heart problems, my BRCA2 gene, a double mastectomy, total hysterectomy. Stayed by my side whilst navigating early menopause and then I lay onto him the sickness of alcohol and drug addiction!"
Sober Christmas
Michelle explained last December that she was looking forward to her first sober Christmas and New Year.
She told OK! Magazine: “I feel like this year my life has changed for the best. Next year isn’t a new start, but a continued journey of what we’ve picked up this year.”
She added: "I’m seven months clean and sober. I feel wonderful. It’s a little bit about being reborn.
“I’ve been experiencing things in a different way. Even down to sleeping, as they had to teach me at the Priory how to go to sleep at a regular time as I had no routine. But I feel great."
She added: “I’m really healthy. I enjoy food, and life is so much better.
"It’s clear, I’m not looking through a haze now. It didn’t happen overnight, but I can appreciate things. I used to hate the word 'content'.
"When Hugh used to use it I’d go mental, as I’d think it meant settling. I’d argue with him. Now I understand what content means - it’s serenity and having peace. I believe I’ve got that now."
Celebrating life
Earlier this month, Michelle enjoyed a luxury family trip abroad with her husband and their children as she celebrated her sobriety.
Sharing sun-soaked snaps of herself and her family on beaches and beside her hotel pool, the Liberty X star looked glowing and healthy.
She wrote on one Instagram post showing her with a beaming smile while posing with her family: “I’m not gonna lie .. a few moments I’ve had a lump in my throat and swallowed it away, knowing I am who I am and I can’t drink.
“Last night no more lumps, this sober girl can be all kinds of fun .. even on virgin cocktails I can successfully embarrass my kids.”
And she wrote alongside another snap: “My first sober holiday. My first holiday in 3 years. My first sunrise after a sleep. My first time in swim wear post my breast surgery.
“Lots of 1sts .. but I am over the moon with my results in a bikini .. I owe it all to the guys at [plastic surgery company] @sculpt_mybody.
"I may not have been able to travel this far if it weren’t for you’re swift and stress free process.”
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