After a string of health scares, operations, and an early menopause – topped off with the recent stress of lockdown – Michelle Heaton took the brave step of seeking treatment for alcohol dependency last week.
A source confirmed the mum-of-two had entered rehab after hitting “rock bottom” and starting to rely on alcohol as a “crutch” as a result of her latest battles. A spokesperson for former Liberty X singer Michelle, 41, added, “She has the love and support of her family and friends.”
Her heartache began in 2012 when she discovered she was carrying a gene known as BRCA2, which is associated with an increased risk of breast and cervical cancer. She bravely opted to have a double mastectomy, which significantly reduced her risk of getting cancer and, three years later, she underwent a preventative hysterectomy, which brought on an early menopause and led to hair loss.
Michelle – mum to Faith, nine, and Aaron, seven – has opened up to Closer many times over the years and been hailed by fans for her inspirational attitude to her serious health issues. She previously told us of her struggle to accept her new body – saying that exercise had been a major help in making her feel more positive.
Check out: Liberty X - where are they now?
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1 of 10Michelle Heaton
After Liberty X split in 2007, it was reported Michelle signed a two album deal with the record label 19 Entertainment, owned by Simon Fuller. However, just two months later she revealed she had walked out on the deal, wanting to pursue a television career over music instead.
2 of 10Michelle Heaton
Michelle definitely chose the right career path as following her decision, her TV profile skyrocketed, becoming a judge on the Irish talent show You're A Star, a contestant on ITV's The Truth About Binge Drinking and in 2009, Michelle was announced as part of the line-up for Celebrity Big Brother, joining Hollywood legends La Toya Jackson and Verne Troyer. After her CBB stint, she joined The Apprentice in Ireland, coming second. The star then took out time from the spotlight, raising two children as well as undergoing a double mastectomy in 2012, followed by a hysterectomy in 2014. She has since become a staple on talk show panels, including Big Brother's Bit On The Side and Loose Women, as well as reuniting with Liberty X in 2012 and 2013 for a UK tour AND becoming a member of Atomic Kitten for a one-off gig in 2016. Michelle is also a vlogger.phew.
3 of 10Kevin Simm
Following the band disembarking, Kevin immediately announced he was to release solo music. However, he only released his music in Japan, becoming a huge hit there when his single Brand New reached number 12 in the charts.
4 of 10Kevin Simm
While Kevin did rejoin the band in 2013 for their reunion, he then returned to his day job as a wedding photographer. But he didn't turn his back on singing altogether, as three years later he auditioned for The Voice UK and won the competition under Ricky Wilson's mentoring, gaining a record deal. Kevin released his album, called Recover, and is still releasing music following the album's success.
5 of 10Jessica Taylor
Just before the popular band's split, Jessica was a participant in Strictly Ice Dancing in 2005 (the show was short-lived) and then went on to star on Dancing on Ice in 2009, two years after the band parted ways. She came third, boosting her profile as a solo artist.
6 of 10Jessica Taylor
Since then, Jessica has appeared on various TV shows, including Hole In The Wall, The Chase and The Weakest Link. Jessica was also signed as the face and body of Diamond Boutique lingerie by Ultimo in 2009. However, she has mostly stayed out of the spotlight, marrying cricketer Kevin Pietersen in 2007 and welcoming two children.
7 of 10Tony Lundon
As the heartthrob of the band, Tony was offered many deals after the group's split, firstly accepting a presenting role in Ireland, hosting the quiz show TOAST. Yet, in 2010, Tony made a big career change and moved to New York to study film, before going on to found his own production company.
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8 of 10Tony Lundon
Like his other bandmates, Tony returned to the UK for Liberty X's reunion tour, missing some of the rehearsals after his wife went into labour with twins. He now works as a producer, helping other celebs, like Made In Chelsea's Jamie Laing, with their YouTube channels. Maybe Michelle and Tony should reunite for a vlog?
9 of 10Kelli Young
Kelli kept out of the spotlight after the band split, only appearing on one other TV show in 2007, where she featured as a contestant on Britain Sings Christmas. She covered Mariah Carey's All I Want for Christmas Is You.
10 of 10Kelli Young
Kelli made her TV comeback in 2013 for The Big Reunion but then disappeared again until 2017, when she became a guest panellist on Loose Women. Kelli gave birth to twins with Little Mix songwriter Iain James in 2012. What is it with the Liberty X gang having twins?
Speaking of going through early menopause, she told Closer in 2018, “I lost my self-confidence sexually, and emotionally. It was probably my worst time. I’d put on weight and got really depressed about it. I realised exercise helped me get out of dark times in the past and I could do it again.”
But in the last six months, Michelle told her followers that she had stopped exercising as much. And the death of her friend, Big Brother star Nikki Grahame, last month from her long battle with anorexia may have added to her stresses.
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In a heartfelt tribute, she wrote of her guilt at not seeing Nikki before her death, saying, “I’m sorry I didn’t come to see you… I was a coward and I’m so sorry.”
Thankfully, Michelle has the support of her family and her husband Hugh – whom she’s praised for helping her through low moments.
She’s said, “Hugh is the most incredible husband, who’s got me through everything. Our love has evolved – it started off as passion, which is still there, but now as well as fancying him, I have so much love for him as the father of my children and he’s my best mate.”