Former Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton says she is ready to win Dancing on Ice after beating her addictions.
The 43-year-old said she now feels “really strong and ready” for the ITV talent contest after a journey of recovery from drug and alcohol problems.
Michelle, who is partnered with professional skater Lukasz Rozycki, said: “I’ve always watched the show and I’m a massive fan.
“My bandmate Jessica [Taylor] did it many years ago and I’ve always wanted to do the show.
“I’ve suffered from addictions so even though I’ve always wanted to do the show and my name has been in the hat, it was never the right time.
“I want to do it because it’s always been on my bucket list. The show is magical, the costumes and doing something that is different and outside my box.
“The end goal is to do the bolero. I know how proud and astonished my mum and dad would be if I got to perform that.”
Michelle says that despite her pop star career she is “not professional at anything” and has had to “get some confidence back with my recovery”.
She also said the Dancing on Ice experience is bringing “a lot of happiness” to her family, who have been her support system throughout her recovery from addiction.
The people she is keenest to make proud are her two children, she said.
Michelle, who shot to fame on the talent show Popstars in 2001, has previously revealed how she was just days from death following three years of drinking booze and taking cocaine.
At one point she was drinking two bottles of wine and a bottle of vodka every day, she admits.
Michelle says she spent four weeks in The Priory to beat her addiction.
The singer said she is a “massive fan of all the judges” on the show but that her favourite is Diversity dancer and choreographer Ashley Banjo.
She added: “Ashley choreographed my performance for The Real Full Monty so I’ve been very fortunate to work with him.
"I’ve got so much respect for him as a creative dancer.”
And she vowed: “Whatever the feedback is, I will accept it because they know more than me. I’ll accept it with decorum and grace.”
Dancing on Ice returns on Sunday, January 15, at 6.30pm, ITV1 and ITVX
