My kids helped me to overcome my addiction, I told them I was allergic to Prosecco, says Michelle Heaton
MICHELLE Heaton has revealed how her kids helped her overcome her alcohol addiction – and that she told them she was allergic to Prosecco.
The former Liberty X singer has been open about her battle with alcohol addiction since managing to get sober almost two years ago.
Michelle hit rock bottom in September 2020 when doctors told her she was close to death from liver failure.
But a 28-day stint in The Priory along with the love and support of her husband Hugh and children Faith, 10, and AJ, eight, have helped Michelle get her life back.
Speaking to The Mirror, she said: “We just told them that Mummy was allergic to prosecco and then it naturally evolved to Mummy doesn’t drink alcohol.
“When I was in the Priory, Faith went to school and told her friends, ‘When your mummy comes round to my mummy’s you’ve got to bring coffee and not prosecco anymore.’
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“When we went shopping in Asda, if we walked down the alcohol aisle, AJ used to go ‘Mummy, don’t look!’”
She continued: “Thankfully, I don’t think the kids acknowledged anything that bad during my addiction, but they see the difference now.
“Mummy is happier and not raising her voice as much. I’m not tearful. Their memories aren’t what Hugh’s are.”
Now Michelle is now trying to raise awareness of addiction’s devastating effects, as well as embrace new challenges like Dancing on Ice.
She said: “A few years ago I was considered for Dancing On Ice and was gutted that I wasn’t chosen.
“With my addiction, I understand now why it wasn’t the right time.
“Dancing On Ice isn’t keeping me sober. It’s come at the right time because I am sober. I have this overwhelming sense of gratitude.”
Dancing on Ice continues tonight at 6.25pm on ITV1.