Former Liberty X star Michelle Heaton has opened up about a drugs and alcohol addiction that saw her rushed to hospital and told she was days from death.
The 42-year-old appeared on Loose Women on Thursday as she celebrates a year of being clean. The mum-of-two said she was incredibly unwell, with translucent skin as doctors gave her the harrowing news.
Since then, Michelle had a 28-day stay at the Priory rehabilitation centre, something she says "saved her". Michelle told the panellists she had to experience a lot of feelings of guilt after not being present for her children.
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She said: "It's so bad to say it, it's horrible, but often they got in the way [of my addiction]. They'd want a cuddle or something and I just wasn't there for them".
The star also shared part of a letter her husband Hugh wrote to her while she was in the Priory. She said: "I can't talk to my best mate any more, because that's you. [Your addiction] has robbed me of my wife and our kids of their mummy."
Michelle broke down as she admitted she completely lost herself in her addiction. She said: "I was a completely different person, selfish, and I just didn't recognise it at the time.
"Looking back I don't know who that person was". Thankfully, Michelle is in a much better place now. She said she feels strong and is genuinely happy.
Many viewers were moved by Michelle's words, and took to Twitter to wish her well. Jill Beddoes said: "#MichelleHeaton has been through so much - double mastectomy followed by early menopause. No surprise she felt emotionally overwhelmed. I wish her nothing but the best. She deserves her peace of mind and enjoy life now."
Rob said: "I found that a really honest, touching interview. Good luck to her". Ange Anderson said: "The paragraph she read from her husband's letter had me in tears", while Elizabeth Davies said: "Well done Michelle and great of you to be honest and speak out".
Loose Women airs weekdays at 12.30pm on ITV and the ITV Hub
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