Michelle Heaton spoke candidly about her battle with alcoholism on Wednesday ahead of the National Television Awards, while celebrating 134 days sober.
The former Liberty X singer, 42, entered rehab earlier this year after five years of alcohol and drug abuse which was exasperated following a hysterectomy and mastectomy.
And taking to social media at her dress fitting, Michelle admitted she was feeling ‘anxious and nervous,’ about the upcoming awards ceremony, but insisted she wouldn’t turn to drink to mask her emotions.
‘Flying the flag for those in recovery’: Michelle Heaton highlighted her toned frame in red dresses on Wednesday ahead of the NTAs, while celebrating 134 days sober
Sharing two over-the-shoulder snaps, Michelle looked sensational in a pair of figure-hugging gowns.
Her first garment boasted a delicate bow while the other choice featured a sequin band cinched at the waist.
The singer wrote alongside the photos: ‘Tonight is our first red carpet event together in a very long time.
‘I’m really nervous and full of anxiety – I would drink on those emotions. But today I am not.
Candid: The former Liberty X singer, 42, entered rehab earlier this year after five years of alcohol and drug abuse which was exasperated following a hysterectomy and mastectomy
‘Today I am 134 days clean and sober and I will be with my husband, my best friend and my rock @hughhanley who gives me so much strength.
‘I’m so proud to be at the #ntas with @ok_mag flying the flag for those in recovery.’
She continued: ‘For anyone who needs help with addiction, I can’t give medical advice, but I’d advise you to ask for help as it’s out there. I am eternally grateful that I did.
‘https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk is free if your problems is alcohol. If it’s something else you can find your support group on line or here https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/drug-addiction-getting-help/
Honest: Taking to social media at her dress fitting, Michelle admitted she was feeling ‘anxious and nervous,’ about the upcoming awards ceremony, but insisted she wouldn’t turn to drink
‘Now, the dress! @piamichi who’s dressed me every year and is one of our best friends has at last minute came to my plea lol. See which one I choose later but for now ..This is my back.’ [sic]
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Michelle broke down in tears as she appeared on Lorraine last Wednesday after apologising to the host for drinking backstage during her battle with addiction.
Speaking to Lorraine Kelly, 61, an emotional Michelle apologised before the interview began for past appearances where she appeared on the show after drinking in her dressing room.
‘I am great now, I promised myself I wouldn’t cry. I love my husband so much,’ she said.
‘Just off the back of that, I wanted to apologise to you before we begin because there were times where I drank before I sat on this sofa and you trusted me and I did campaigns for you.
‘I love you so much because you’ve always been there to support me and I just wanted to say sorry.’
Lorraine reassured Michelle by saying she didn’t need to apologise, while acknowledging how brave the star is to come out the other side and speak about her alcohol abuse.
Elsewhere in the interview, the singer admitted she’s concerned about both the long-time health implications of her alcohol abuse and the affect her actions had on husband Hugh Hanley and their children, Faith, nine, and AJ, seven.
Upset: Earlier in September, Michelle broke down in tears as she appeared on Lorraine after apologising to the host for drinking backstage during her battle with addiction
Kind: Lorraine reassured Michelle by saying she didn’t need to apologise, while acknowledging how brave the star is to speak about her addiction battle
‘It was five years really the trauma of all my health issues, it blew up. I just didn’t know how to stop drinking,’ Michelle said.
‘Now I worry, I worry about what my addictions had on me physically and also on my family. I had [Hugh] by my side but I pushed him away.’
Michelle was struggling with the side effects after undergoing a hysterectomy in 2012 and a double mastectomy in 2015, to reduce her risk of cancer, as well as experiencing early menopause.
She had been drinking two bottles of wine and a bottle of vodka ‘virtually every day since 2018’ and also took cocaine.
If you’re having trouble finding the right sort of help, call the Frank drugs helpline on 0300 123 6600. They can talk you through all your options
Family: Michelle also shared her worries on the affect her actions had on husband Hugh Hanley and their children, Faith, nine, and AJ, seven
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