It’s been four months since Michelle Heaton bravely checked into rehab for drug and alcohol addiction. And last week, looking healthy and content, the mum of two, 41, proudly posted on her social media that she was so happy to have found “hope and light and clarity” after battling her demons for so long.
And now sources say Michelle is incredibly grateful to her biggest support and rock Hugh Hanley – her husband of 11 years – and is keen to show him how much he means to her by renewing their wedding vows.
The former Liberty X singer sought help at a rehabilitation facility in April after “hitting rock bottom” in lockdown – after reportedly “using alcohol as a crutch” to deal with the effects of her devastating health issues.
She revealed that she had been “close to death” after drinking as much as a bottle of vodka, two bottles of wine and snorting cocaine every day since 2018.
But insiders say that Michelle is now feeling more positive about the future than ever, and is extremely thankful to Hugh for his support.
A source reveals, “Hugh has been Michelle’s rock – she knows she wouldn’t be where she is now without him. She’s determined to show him how much he means to her with a special renewing of vows, and he’s over the moon he’s got his wife back. They’re stronger than ever right now.”
Michelle and Irish businessman Hugh started dating in 2008 and married in the Bahamas two years later. The couple have gone on to have children Faith, nine, and AJ, seven.
Michelle has revealed that undergoing a hysterectomy in 2012 and a double mastectomy three years later meant she went through the menopause at just 35 years old. This took its toll on her mental health, with her admitting at the time that her mood swings and low libido put a “strain on her marriage”. Hugh said at the time, “Michelle really struggles to get hold of herself. She’s lost a bit of herself.”
But the source says renewing their vows will mark a new chapter in their lives, adding, “This recovery process is all about new beginnings for Michelle, and this is very much a new start for them both.
“They’re thinking of a romantic getaway to renew their vows to mark the year anniversary of her sobriety – so next April – and they want to do it abroad, somewhere hot, like the first time they got married.
“It’ll be different though – something more low-key and romantic, and they’ll have the kids with them, too.”
Since leaving rehab, Michelle has been keeping fans and friends updated with her recovery on Instagram. Last month, she shared a picture of her sobriety medallions, gained from passing a certain amount of days without succumbing to her addictions, announcing proudly, “Today I am 60 days clean and sober. There was a point where six hours would have been hard to do.”
The star then quoted the slogan used by Alcoholics Anonymous and other agencies that deal with addiction, saying, “One day at a time…”, adding, “A moment’s silence to all those still suffering like I was.”
She concluded by giving her followers advice, saying, “The first step, the hardest step is to admit to yourself you need help. Second is asking for it.”
Check out: Michelle Heaton's self-help tools
Michelle Heaton's self-help tools
1 of 3Healthy alternatives
Despite Michelle being in recovery, she's made sure it hasn't stopped her from having fun, but she does so now in different ways. Her Instagram page is littered with fun days out and activities with her kids. In June, she shared a picture of her and daughter Faith having "mocktails", with Michelle captioning it, "#igotthis".
2 of 3Regular exercise
Michelle loves keeping fit and revealed that exercise has kept her going through her recovery. She's posted pics of herself doing Pilates and working out with Hugh, and wrote on Instagram, "Without working your body you're not working your mind… Strength comes from within."
3 of 3Reading
She has been keeping focused throughout her recovery, sharing the mantras she's adopted on her social media as well as the books she's reading. In June, she revealed she'd been reading Understanding The Twelve Steps, which is renowned for helping alcoholics overcome their addictions.
Several famous pals publicly congratulated her on her anniversary, and her honesty. Lorraine Kelly wrote, “Well done Michelle!” while her Full Monty co-stars Coleen Nolan and Victoria Derbyshire sent their love, as did friend Danielle Lloyd.
Since leaving rehab in June, Michelle has spoken out about the support she received from Hugh. On Lorraine last week, Michelle tearfully updated fans on how she’s doing, saying, “I am great now, I promised myself I wouldn’t cry. I just love my husband so much.”
WATCH: Ferne McCann on breaking up with her ex-boyfriend and her heartbreak plan | First Time Mum Secrets
READ MORE
Divorce is off! Kim Kardashian and Kanye West in love again thanks to his other woman
Amy Childs 'moves on from ex-boyfriend with First Dates star'
And also appearing alongside her on the show, Hugh said, “It’s a great outcome for us because it could have gone the other way. I hoped I’d get my wife back but in my heart of hearts I never thought I’d get her back to the person she is.”
And the source adds, “Michelle is doing so incredibly well – it’s hard and it’s been a struggle, but she’s thankful she reached out for help and that 2021 has been the year she’s finally gone into recovery. She’s so grateful for the friends and family around her who have supported her and loved her and helped her through it all.
“Michelle knows it’s one step at a time, but she’s so excited to finally have her life back. While she knows she’s still got far to go, she’s feeling really positive about the future and proud of how far she’s come.”