Michelle Heaton

Michelle Heaton is an English pop singer, actress, TV host, and personal trainer. As a public figure, she wrote an autobiographical book, Hot Flush (2018), where she traces her path from a pop star of the band Liberty X to a burgeoning television career and talks about how she learned the truth about gene mutation and its effects on her.

Michelle Christine Heaton was born in Gateshead in North East England. She studied at Emmanuel City Technology College in Gateshead and Newcastle College of Performing Arts. Heaton began her singing career in the group Sirens in the late 1990s with other girls from the northeast of England.

She was a member of the pop group Liberty X from 2001 until they split in 2007, during which time they enjoyed seven Top 10 singles in the UK Singles Chart and won two Brit Awards. Their biggest hit, Just a Little, reached Number 1 in May 2002. Thinking It Over, Got To Have Your Love, Song 4 Lovers, and Holding on for You, all reached the Top 5 in the UK Singles Chart.

From 2004 until 2007, Heaton contributed a regular column to the Hotstar's section of OK! Magazine. Michelle also has been featured on several reality TV shows, including Come Dine With Me and Celebrity Big Brother.

At the age of thirty-three, Michelle Heaton underwent a double mastectomy and hysterectomy to reduce her risk of developing cancer caused by the BRCA gene mutation. After these surgeries, Michelle's body went into menopause in her mid-thirties.

"I have had many curve balls are thrown my way, total hysterectomy, menopause at 35 years of age, health problems, and addictions. To name but a few," says Michelle Heaton.

Hot Flush details Michelle’s struggles dealing with menopause in her own head as well as in her marriage, family life, and workplace. She details the emotional and physical challenges she has faced — the explosive moods, the hot flushes, and the mourning of the loss of a woman’s sex appeal. Along the way, she offers real help and advice on how to stay healthy in mind and body.

Michelle Heaton is currently a FETAC-qualified personal trainer with fifteen years of experience. She specializes in weight loss, pre and post-natal exercise, and menopause.

Heaton also has a YouTube channel with quick at-home workouts.

In 2021, Michelle appeared on the UK television show Loose Women to speak about her alcohol addiction and her time in rehab. On October 2022, it was announced that Heaton would be competing in the fifteenth series of Dancing on Ice, which will begin in January 2023.

Michelle Heaton lives in Hertfordshire with her husband Hugh Hanley, and their two kids.

Photo credit: IG @wonderwomanshel