Entertainment
Michelle Heaton reveals she was meant to do Dancing On Ice a few years back but ‘wasn’t in any way fit’ due to alcoholism-Emily Bashforth-Entertainment – Metro
She’s spoken openly about her addiction struggles.
Michelle Heaton has been open about her addiction issues in the past (Picture: ITV)
Michelle Heaton is taking part in Dancing On Ice 2023 – but this year wasn’t the first time she was approached for the show.
The Liberty X singer, 43, is partnered with Polish professional Łukasz Różycki, also 43, and she’s in safe hands given that Łukasz has competed on the show eight times before.
However, it’s been an emotional journey to the ice rink for Michelle, who has been open about her addiction struggles.
Speaking ahead of her ice debut, the pop star became incredibly tearful.
‘It’s been a long journey to get here,’ she began.
‘The last few years, it hasn’t been a secret that I’ve struggled with addiction.’
The singer was left deflated after coming bottom of the leaderboard (Picture: ITV)
An emotional Michelle then revealed: ‘A few years ago, I was up for Dancing On Ice but I wasn’t in any way fit.’
In 2021, the star checked herself into The Priory clinic in order to seek help for her drinking.
After spending some time at the rehab, Michelle emerged healthier and has continued on her sobriety journey.
She expressed her gratitude for having had a ‘second chance’ tonight, noting how ‘special’ it feels to finally be taking part in the skating show.
Michelle and Polish professional Łukasz Różycki performed to Shania Twain’s Wake Up Dreaming (Picture: ITV)
The Just A Little singer started tearing up once again after her first skate, having performed to Shania Twin tune Wake Up Dreaming.
Michelle actually apologised to her pro partner after making several mistakes in the routine, but the panel were keen to remind her that there was no reason to be disappointed.
Alas, the couple found themselves at the bottom of the leaderboard with 19 points out of 40.
Viewers were totally on her side though, taking to Twitter to cheer Michelle on.
‘I thought Michelle and Lukasz were really good. Disagree with the Judges totally. Keep going because you have got it for sure. Well done’, one fan told her.
‘Michelle Heaton! Absolutely amazing! She has so much to be proud of!’, tweeted another.
One viewer was on hand with the words of encouragement: ‘Michelle has incredible potential. She just needs to believe in herself a little more’.
‘Can’t help but want to cheer on @wonderwomanshel she has had such a difficult journey in life and has come so far. Smash it Michelle x’, one tweeted her.
Speaking ahead of her Dancing On Ice debut, Michelle said she wants to make her children proud after everything she’s been through.
More: Trending
Michelle – who has been sober for 20 months – shared how proud her daughter Faith, 11, and AJ, 8, were of her.
‘I want to try my very best and put my all into this. Getting to experience something that brings a lot of happiness to us as a family – they’ve been my support system through recovery,’ she said.
Dancing On Ice airs Sundays on ITV.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
Entertainment – MetroRead More
