Michelle Heaton has bravely opened up about her crippling addiction battle - but her husband admits he had no idea she was even taking cocaine.
The Liberty X star was just days from death when she finally checked into rehab and gave up the substances that were killing her.
Michelle, 42, who shares daughter Faith, nine, and seven-year-old son AJ with her husband Hugh Hanley, had reached such a low in her battle that she would wake up in the morning and head straight to the off-license for vodka.
Hugh, also 42, said that at the beginning of last year, he wasn't sure if his wife would be able to survive.
Her body was shutting down and at her worse, she was drinking two bottles of wine and a bottle of vodka a day.
By the time she checked into rehab in April 2021, she was just days away from death with her liver on the verge of cirrhosis.
And Hugh says that it wasn't until Michelle was in rehab that he learned the full truth about her addictions.
He told The Sun : "Stuff came out while she was in there — I didn’t know anything about cocaine.
"I wanted to take care of my wife, but I also felt it was my right to ask questions.
"Thankfully, we were able to talk and not be in a situation where it escalated."
Hugh said that he'd explained Michelle's treatment to their kids by telling them she'd been "cross" and had gone away to "get happy again".
Following her time in rehab, Michelle joined Alcoholics Anonymous and Cocaine Anonymous and embarked on the 12 Steps programme.
She's since become passionate about talking about addiction and helping others with similar issues.
Michelle, who had had a hysterectomy and elective double mastectomy after discovering she was at high risk of breast cancer, celebrated passing the 12th step of her recovery in October.
The month before, she'd shared a heartbreaking selfie that showed the depth of her addiction's affect on her health.
In it, she had a puffy face and bloodshot eyes.
She captioned it: "This picture is not to shock, it WAS my reality! 20 weeks ago this was me - Ruined - the second is me today - Saved.
"It’s National Sober Day And it encourages us to celebrate Sober life and bring awareness to addiction.
"It’s also National Recovery Month, and today supports removing the stigma associated with addiction. It opens the lines of communication that lead to better understanding. The day provides an opportunity to build educated support networks.
"Success is more likely when systems are paved with an aware, loving, and honest cheering section.
"If we stumble, aren’t we more likely to get back up again when we have a solid support system?"
She added: "Encouragement of one day fuels more support and awareness, leading to long-term sobriety. That’s something worth celebrating! The opposite of addiction is a connection.
"Recognising this provides a model for future generations who will be my picture one! And then the second picture demonstrates how to enjoy life alcohol-free, the day will embolden future generations to say no to alcohol.
"Today I am stronger mentally and physically better then I’ve ever been. One day at a time.
"For anyone who needs help with addiction, there is help out there. https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk. It’s free. If your problems is drugs your support is free https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/drug-addiction-getting-help/."
* Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
