Michelle Heaton's fresh fears over alcohol addiction as she explains horrifying 'demons'

Michelle Heaton has transformed her life, since a devastating addiction to alcohol saw her on the verge of death in 2020. Now almost four years sober, the mother-of-two embraces healthy living - working out regularly, often with husband Hugh, and looking after what she eats. But most importantly, she doesn't go near alcohol, after doctors in 2020 told her that her liver was failing and she was 'close to death'.

The Liberty X singer, 45, who shares children Faith, 12, and AJ, 10 with her Irish businessman husband Hugh Hanley, is a different person today, and justifiably proud of how she's turned her life around, having previously admitted that in the depths of her addiction, she was downing almost two bottles of wine and a bottle of vodka. Yet in a candid interview with OK!, she reveals why she must never forget those old demons, which are 'just around the corner'.

With party season in full swing, there would be plenty of temptation around for anyone fighting alcohol addiction. Asked if she's ever tempted to have a glass of bubbly, Michelle replies swiftly that no, she's 'over that'. But she admits: "I'’m under no illusion that the old demons could creep back in. That’s waiting for me just around the corner if I don’t stay on top of my recovery – for me, [that’s following] the Twelve Step Fellowship. I say I’m “in recovery”, not “recovered” for that very reason."

And it's not an easy time for anyone struggling with an addiction, she adds. "I used to promise myself on a weekly basis that things would change, especially in January. But addiction is the very definition of insanity – repeating the same behaviour, expecting different results. If anyone is making the same kind of promises, maybe you need to acknowledge you have a problem. Ask for help."

The star, who has been appearing in panto in Pembrokeshire, says proudly: "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. 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. And I’m doing things I wouldn’t normally do, like Celebrity SAS, even if I didn’t last very long!

Michelle is also loving the simple things in life that she couldn't do in the grip of addiction, she says. "I love, walks with our silver lab Bella. I can watch a film at the cinema. Before, I’d always be p**sed. I can say no, I’m going home, whereas before I’d go to the opening of an envelope… That’s powerful. I enjoy my own company now. Before, I felt too ashamed when I stopped and sat with my feelings. I’ve built up the ability to learn how to live again. It didn’t happen overnight – but then, neither did alcoholism."