Michelle Heaton 'excited' but 'nervous' ahead of first sober Christmas

Watch: Michelle Heaton talks about her first sober Christmas

Michelle Heaton has said she is feeling “really excited” but “a little bit nervous” as she approaches her first sober Christmas.

The Liberty X star, 42, left rehab in May after seeking help for substance abuse issues.

Speaking on ITV’s Lorraine, she said: “I’m almost eight months sober and I’m coming into celebrating Christmas for the first time without an alcoholic drink in my hand.

Read more: Michelle Heaton apologises to Lorraine for secretly drinking before interviews

“I’m really excited and a little bit nervous.

"I’m really excited to understand how others keep the joy in their lives without alcohol this year.”

The singer said that the last eight months had been “a real journey of sobriety”.

“I’m so happy I can’t even explain how joyful I feel,” said the mum-of-two.

“I couldn’t get to eight hours without picking up the drink towards the end, and here I am almost eight months clean and sober.”

Heaton previously revealed she had been battling addiction in secret for three years.

Her husband Hugh Hanley said earlier this year that things got so bad that in September 2020, Heaton was told she would die if she didn’t do something about it.

Read more: Michelle Heaton shares picture of face swollen from addiction to celebrate sobriety

The former Celebrity Big Brother contestant has now told TV presenter Lorraine Kelly that she hit “rock bottom” before she asked for help.

“I was so unkind to people and myself, but now I’m sober I have that second chance,” she said.

“That small change can make all the difference, make this Christmas count.”

Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV and ITV Hub.