PLENTY TO CELEBRATE - ‘THIS YEAR MY LIFE CHANGED FOR THE BEST – NEXT YEAR CONTINUES THE JOURNEY'
OK! UK|December 13, 2021
AFTER BATTLING HER ADDICTIONS MICHELLE HEATON AND HUSBAND HUGH HANLEY ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SPENDING A SOBER CHRISTMAS TOGETHER
ANNA MATHESON
PLENTY TO CELEBRATE - ‘THIS YEAR MY LIFE CHANGED FOR THE BEST – NEXT YEAR CONTINUES THE JOURNEY'
Michelle Heaton didn’t enter 2021 in a good place, but she’ll be ending the year happy, healthy and sober after seeking help for her alcohol and drug addictions. The former Liberty X singer, 42, was admitted for treatment in rehab in April after three years of daily drinking that left her at death’s door.

Now the star, who is practically glowing with health as she poses for OK!’s Christmas shoot at home with her family, is feeling better than ever after celebrating her seven-month-sober anniversary.

And while some people might like to see the back of such a tough year, the couple are surprisingly positive about 2021.

“I feel like this year my life has changed for the best,” Michelle explains. “Next year isn’t a new start, but a continued journey of what we’ve picked up this year.”

Michelle’s husband of 11 years, Hugh Hanley, is just as pragmatic.

“This has been a great year because we’ve had Michelle back after three and a half years of hell,” he says.

The couple, who have two children – Faith, nine, and AJ, seven – can’t wait to spend the festive season together at home.

Here, OK! catches up with them to talk about family life, festive plans and how Michelle feels about her first sober Christmas…

Hi both. How are the family doing?

This story is from the December 13, 2021 edition of OK! UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 13, 2021 edition of OK! UK.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM OK! UKView All
Cheesy does it
OK! UK

Cheesy does it

These gloriously gooey and tantalisingly tasty cheese-based dishes are perfect for comfort food season

time-read
2 mins  |
November 11, 2024
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING
OK! UK

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VAPING

E-cigarettes have never been more popular but vaping isn’t the risk-free alternative to smoking that people might think it is

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
I love the process of applying full glam'
OK! UK

I love the process of applying full glam'

Celebrity make-up artist and queen of the smoky eye' Hannah Martin shares her top tips for looking and feeling your best this festive season

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
For the first time in 35 years, I don't wake up frightened of my illness'
OK! UK

For the first time in 35 years, I don't wake up frightened of my illness'

Loose Women panellist Denise Welch opens up about her many battles, including her lifelong struggle with numbers

time-read
5 mins  |
November 11, 2024
"The more I talk about it, the easier it becomes'
OK! UK

"The more I talk about it, the easier it becomes'

TV favourite Shirley Ballas is sharing her own struggles with bladder health to help others suffering in silence

time-read
5 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'Now I have to learn how to trust someone else'
OK! UK

'Now I have to learn how to trust someone else'

Stand-up Katherine Ryan on her family's changing dynamic, her latest tour and getting great ideas for dinnertime with a new food campaign

time-read
6 mins  |
November 11, 2024
When I look at some people and they hate their job, I feel sorry for them'
OK! UK

When I look at some people and they hate their job, I feel sorry for them'

Good Morning Britain's Charlotte Hawkins on her love for her work and how classical music can calm pets

time-read
5 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'I didn't know if I'd ever get married...it was just perfect
OK! UK

'I didn't know if I'd ever get married...it was just perfect

Grantchester star Melissa Johns invites OK! readers to share in her very special wedding

time-read
4 mins  |
November 11, 2024
I consider Simon and Amanda family now our children hang out together'
OK! UK

I consider Simon and Amanda family now our children hang out together'

Alesha Dixon on the secret to her success, the lasting bond with her fellow BGT judges and why young people should follow their dreams

time-read
5 mins  |
November 11, 2024
'It feels like your world is completely ripped to pieces
OK! UK

'It feels like your world is completely ripped to pieces

After her recent miscarriage, Paris Fury reveals how she's made peace with this tragic event

time-read
7 mins  |
November 11, 2024