Michelle Heaton emotionally broke down in tears on Loose Women as she read aloud a letter her husband wrote to her explaining how she had changed for the worst to become an untrustworthy liar while under the control of her addictions.
The 42-year-old Liberty X star has just celebrated one year of being sober – but has reflected back on her lowest point and says she regrets putting her family through hell while hooked on alcohol and cocaine.
The chart topping star has been married to personal trainer Hugh Hanley since 2010 and together they are proud parents to 10-year-old daughter Faith and eight-year-old son Aaron.
Michelle entered the Priory in April last year after friends instigated an intervention as she found herself near death following a three year drink and drugs binge – with her husband later confessing he couldn't trust her when she was at her lowest point.
And while she was seeking treatment, she received a letter from Hugh that told her how happy he was that she was getting the help she so desperately needed – but he also explained how much she was hurting him and their children by allowing her addictions to take over.
Appearing on Loose Women on Thursday, Michelle read out a segment of the letter that Hugh wrote to her.
Reading it aloud, she said: “Watching you spiral like this has been very hard to deal with. I couldn’t talk to my best friend, which was you.
“The last three years I’ve watched you spiral and turn into someone I don’t recognise. The strain that has been put on our relationship has been very demanding.
“I’ve been left embarrassed several times by the way you’ve spoke to me in front of people, which is never you. You were always my biggest fan.
“Yet I found myself being the brunt of your anger and having to should that while also trying to help the kids navigate your new behaviour.
“Your addictive behaviour has hurt me a lot personally, Shel. And it has turned you into a liar. You’ve become someone who is very untrustworthy. Your behaviour has robbed me of my wife, and the kids of their mummy.”
Breaking down into tears, Michelle said: “I don’t recognise that person. I still think I am not that person. And I am not. Addiction got me. And addiction created that person that I don’t even recognise now.
But at the time I couldn’t recognise it. Thank god I did!
“I feel very strong. My body is 42 and menopause and I’ve got ailments everywhere and I can’t bend down anymore, but I, honestly… that’s all irrelevant. I’m a strong person. I can say no to things. And I can choose the right things to do and not do.”
Viewers tuning in to Thursdays show were also reduced to tears and marvelled at Michelle’s bravery as she discussed her addiction battle with the panel.
Taking to Twitter, many congratulated the singer on her bravery and everything she has been through.
One wrote: “#MichelleHeaton has been through so much - double mastectomy followed by early menopause. No surprise she felt emotionally overwhelmed. I wish her nothing but the best. She deserves her peace of mind and enjoy life now.”
Another wrote: “You reduced me to tears. I'm glad you are doing so well and you still have that relationship with your husband and kids. Well done and keep going.”
And another wrote: “Just watched Michelle Heaton on Loosewomen read her husbands letter explaining his position as the partner of an addict. I was the partner of an addict. I walked away. It was hell. I admire your husband but I admire myself too.”
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct at 0207 29 33033.
