Michelle Heaton spoke openly about her alcoholism on a stroll with Dr. Alex George, taking him to the location where she used to drink in secret at the height of her addiction.
The former Liberty X singer, 43, is renowned for openly discussing her alcoholism, and in 2021, she entered herself into The Priory facility to get treatment for her drinking.
The celebrity was informed she only had “a handful of days” to live during the worst days of her struggle, but she has now entered rehab and has been clean and sober for almost two years.
Michelle highlighted the significance of their stroll location to former Love Islander and certified doctor Dr Alex in Aldenham, near Watford.
Michelle added that she would come here ‘in the height of my addictions’ to ‘drink here alone and grieve.’ She was standing in front of a tree stump that had been cut into a bench in the woods.
‘Being an addict I would manipulate any way of getting out the house to continue my drinking elsewhere because questions were being raised in the house, and what alcoholics tend to do [is] to manipulate situations without realising we’re doing [it] at the time, and create a place and time where we have to escape,’ she told the Stompcast podcast with Dr Alex George.
‘I would escape to here and I would drink here and be alone and cry through my drinking and it would just be horrendous. Sometimes I‘d sit here for 10 minutes, sometimes I’d be here for hours.’
However, as she approaches 26 months sober, she can see the bench in a new light.
‘I come to this bench and I’m so grateful that I’m not where I was, and I don’t see it as trauma now. Originally when I walked past this bench, I couldn’t even look at it because it reminded me of the bad times, but I’ve learned to accept that those times have happened and I use it for good now and I sit here reflect and do my little prayer and bring Bella [her silver Labrador].’
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She also agreed with her 32-year-old presenter that it had become a ‘a place of comfort’.
Dr. Alex described their chat as “powerful” while sharing images from their stroll on social media.
‘We discussed the sober movement, both from a perspective of addiction and as a health choice, I found the conversation so enlightening for me personally. There is so much to learn from Michelle’s story, including her mindset of overcoming even the most difficult of circumstances. This included facing early menopause, following a total hysterectomy.’
‘Thank you for sharing your story Michelle 💙,’ he added.
Listeners applauded Michelle in the comments for her candour and sensitivity.
‘Your honesty, your journey, your vulnerability and your bad ass strength never ceases to amaze me 👏👏 ,’ wrote one, while another shared: ‘Michelle was so open and honest. Loved it ❤️’
In response, Michelle commented: ‘Omg I’m blown away by some of these massages & whilst I can’t get to everyone who’s dm’d me – I really appreciate the love & support.’
She continued: ‘And anyone who has messaged me asking for help [sic]. Please, listen to this podcast and all the help lines and website are on there too. @dralexgeorge made This possible by chatting with me in a way all you out there would want to chat too. Very raw, honest but full of hope! Love you ❤️all xx.’
The Dancing On Ice actress, who has a daughter Faith, 11, and a son AJ, 9, with her husband Hugh Hanley, previously stated that she told her children that’mummy was allergic to Prosecco’ so they could understand why she didn’t drink alcohol.
Michelle, who got addicted to alcohol after suffering from hormonal melancholy following a hysterectomy, said her children were an important part of her recovery.
Need help?
The NHS recommends Drinkline, the national alcohol helpline. If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, there is a free helpline you can call in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).
Or you can use Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), a free self-help group with a 12-step programme.
