Michelle Heaton says her breast implants have ruptured a decade after double masectomy

Michelle Heaton has been told her breast implants may have ruptured after she visited a doctor in the wake of concerns raised by fans.

The 42-year-old former Liberty X singer underwent a double masectomy and breast reconstruction surgery in 2012 after doctors told her she was at a very high risk of developing breast cancer due to a mutated gene.

Heaton thanked fans on Instagram after they registered concern following a photoshoot in OK! Magazine.

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She said: "I just wanted to reassure people I’ve seen a doctor and yes it does look as if one or both my implants have ruptured.

"It’s coming up for 10 years since I had the double mastectomy and reconstruction which, of course, I had cos there was an 85% of getting breast cancer in my 30s due to the BRCA gene I have."

Heaton admitted she had not noticed anything wrong because she doesn't have any feeling in her breasts, but could see "something in their structure and appearance had changed" when it was pointed out to her.

She said she asked a friend to check them for her, and the friend advised she visit her GP as soon as possible.

"I’m now on a waiting list to see the specialist — the wonderful NHS doctors are incredibly busy right now of course so I wait my turn like everyone else," Heaton added.

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"My GP did say it does look like I’m going to have to have reconstruction soon, which of course means another operation. To which I’m obviously not looking forward to.

"But, I’m facing this one sober and I know I’ll come through it again stronger. I’m a fighter after all."

Watch: Michelle Heaton talks candidly about battle with alcoholism

Heaton rose to fame in 2001 as a member of Liberty X — a group formed by the runners-up of the talent show Popstars.

Their biggest hit, Just a Little, reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.

Read more: Michelle Heaton returns to the stage after alcohol battle

Since the band split in 2007, Heaton became a TV personality and has appeared on both Celebrity Big Brother and I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here.

She has also spoken frankly about her struggles with drug and alcohol addiction since entering rehab earlier this year.

Watch: Michelle Heaton praised by husband after decision to enter rehab