'My poor body has been through a lot'

Michelle Heaton on approaching an alcohol-free milestone, feeling blessed and her plans for the year

- SHELLEY SPADONI

She’s the poster girl for sober living, but it wasn’t always that way for Michelle Heaton. The Liberty X singer, 45, has been proudly alcohol-free for almost four years, after she nearly died at the height of her addiction battle.

The star – who was, at one point, existing on an almost daily diet of two bottles of wine and a bottle of vodka – has been admirably honest about her journey to quitting the booze, in the hope of helping others.

Thankfully, Michelle is now happy, healthy and loving life again with her husband, Irish businessman Hugh Hanley and their children Faith, 12, and AJ, 10.

And her story is a powerful message for anyone struggling with addiction and hoping to press reset on their own health in 2025…

Michelle, you look great. How are you?

Really good! It’s my last night of panto in Pembrokeshire on 31 December, and it’s been a lot of fun. I had a lovely two days at home for Christmas, in between, with the family. I’m coming up to four years alcohol-free in April. I do pinch myself that I managed to give up something that was ultimately going to kill me, and start living again.

You’ve really transformed your life in the last few years…

I’m living proof you can do it – even from rock bottom. My poor body has been through a lot. I have a new-found respect for it. I get my sleep and Hugh and I own a gym and work out together quite a bit. Nothing beats that feeling – you never regret doing a workout. I used to binge-eat a lot – cross-addiction can be a big thing. Now I choose healthy options, proteins and not too many carbs, when I can. And I’m doing things I wouldn’t normally do, like Celebrity SAS, even if I didn’t last very long!

What are the little things you’re enjoying again, now that you’re in full health?