I definitely feel the strongest I've ever been

Michelle Heaton opens up about the trauma her body has been through, and the power of a good diet and plenty of exercise

-  EVE MACDONALD

Michelle Heaton has had more than her fair share of ups and downs in recent years, but as she enters a new year, the mum-of-two says she's the strongest she's ever been and she puts it all down to her love of fitness.

The former Liberty X star has been sober for nearly three years after battling a severe alcohol addiction that threatened to destroy both her and her family.

Prior to that, she opted to undergo a full hysterectomy at the age of 35 after discovering she was genetically at high risk of ovarian cancer. The procedure threw her body into early menopause, which the star has since described as "crippling".

But since quitting drinking, Michelle has turned a corner. As she looks ahead to what the year has in store, she explains why she believes keeping active has helped put her life back on track.

"I felt out of control when I hit menopause and exercise has given me that back," she says. 

"For a woman of my age and for what my body has gone through, I definitely feel the strongest I've ever been." 

The 44-year-old, who owns Mission Possible Wellness with husband Hugh Hanley, exclusively opens up to OK! about how prioritising her fitness and nutrition has completely turned her life around.

"I love the way exercise makes me feel," says Michelle, who shot to fame on TV talent show Popstars in 2001. "It clears my mind, gives me an outlet to channel frustrations and cope with stress. It just allows me to be the best version of myself. After going to the gym, I feel like I've got mental clarity and everything flows better in life. In fact, I'm even nicer to my husband and kids afterwards!"

Michelle and Hugh married in 2010 and have two children together - Faith, 11, and nine-year-old AJ.

And as their love for one another continues to grow last year Michelle described Hugh as "the cement" that keeps their family together - so, it seems, does their passion for staying in shape.