Liberty X star Michelle Heaton has battled back from alcoholism to land her big TV break.
The singer has signed up to take part in both Dancing on Ice and Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins – and says there is no way she would risk her newfound telly success for a drink.
Michelle, 43, who got sober 18 months ago, said: “There’s no way I am going back to that way of life. No chance. There is no way I would risk all that for the sake of a drink.
“There was a time when I was being put forward for TV shows and getting down to the last few.
“I was so disappointed not to get them but in hindsight, it was probably for the best.
“I wasn’t in a fit state to be doing them whereas now, I’m the happiest and healthiest I’ve ever been. I can commit and give 100%.”
Last year, Michelle shared terrifying pictures of her bloated face and told how she had been just days from death after bingeing on booze for years.
The mum-of-two hit the bottle after having an elective double mastectomy, hystorectomy and going through the early menopause. She had previously been was diagnosed with the BRCA2 gene, which meant she had an 80% chance of developing breast cancer.
Michelle went to rehab following an intervention from her family and best pal Katie Price. She has since turned her life around but admits she will always be battling addiction.
The Just A Little singer said: “It is never going to be easy but it is easier because I am in the 12 Steps.
“I still go to my meetings. Not because I am scared of relapsing but because it works. Why would I give up something that has given me my sobriety back?
“The longer it gets, the easier it becomes because you get more confident – but it is something I can never take for granted.”
Getting clean hasn’t just helped Michelle’s career, but it has also boosted her health.
She said: “Since I stopped drinking, my menopause is a lot better.
“What I didn’t realise was thatthe alcohol affected the HRT. Now I’m not drinking, it has reinforced my HRT. I feel so much better now.”
Getting sober has also improved her relationship with fitness expert Hugh Hanley, who she married in 2010.
Michelle said: “Things are better than ever. Hugh has started a new job so is really happy. The kids are great and life is so much better for all of us now. I couldn’t be happier.”
And while she knows taking part in Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins will be tough, Michelle says she can’t wait to perform in Dancing on Ice.
Of the ITV programme, she said: “I am so excited. I can’t believe it. Me and the kids are huge fans of the show.
“I’ve always wanted to do it but I know I would never have been able to complete anything because of the way I was 18 months ago. I am truly grateful that I got it this year when I’m a lot stronger.”
