Liberty X singer Michelle Heaton has shared shocking details of a terrifying incident where she was violently assaulted by an obsessive fan during the peak of her pop career.
In an exclusive and wide-ranging interview, the 46-year-old Gateshead native, who is celebrating nearly five years of sobriety, discussed this harrowing event alongside her exciting new solo venture, The Ultimate Girl Band Show, and her recent stint on Celebrity Masterchef.
A Life in Pop: Highs and Lows
Heaton, who found fame with Liberty X after the ITV show Popstars in 2001, is gearing up for a busy period. After finishing her role as Tinkerbell in Peter Pan at the Forum Theatre in Billingham, she will immediately begin rehearsals for her new weekend tour, which kicks off in February 2026.
The mother-of-two, who shares daughter Faith, 13, and son AJ, 11, with husband Hugh Hanley, expressed her excitement about the project. "It's going to be amazing," she said, "I'll be performing loads of different feel-good, girlband songs I've helped choose, from various different genres." The show promises dance routines, snazzy outfits, and a nostalgic trip through the hits of groups like The Sugababes, Atomic Kitten, and Steps.
The Terrifying German Incident
While reflecting on her time in the pop spotlight, Heaton revealed a deeply traumatic experience that occurred while on tour in Germany. The star described how the band was walking to the stage, holding hands to navigate through the crowd, when a man launched an unprovoked attack.
"This man punched me to the ground," Heaton recalled. "Kevin [Simm] looked back and I wasn't there, I was on the ground." Security was immediately called, the gig was cancelled, and the group was rushed to a safe room. The police were involved, and thanks to CCTV footage, the assailant was caught.
She described the aftermath, noting that their tour manager significantly increased their security. "I remember we said no to a lot of nightclub gigs because of it. We were always watching our backs," she admitted, highlighting the lasting impact of the assault.
Looking Forward: Tour, Family, and Masterchef
Despite past traumas, Heaton's focus is firmly on the future. Her new tour schedule, mostly on weekends, allows her to balance her pop star life with being a mum during the week. She also fondly recalled her time on Celebrity Masterchef, calling it a "massive dream" despite finding the pressure immense.
When asked about new host Grace Dent, Heaton was effusive, describing her as "gorgeous, beautiful and Northern." She also remains close with her fellow contestants, including Dawn O'Porter and Chris Hughes, through a WhatsApp group.
As she prepares for a family Christmas where she will be cooking the dinner, Heaton's primary resolution is for happiness and health for her loved ones, a priority strengthened by her own past struggles and her mother's current health challenges.
The Ultimate Girl Band Show tours the UK from February 2026. For tickets, visit www.sweeneyentertainments.co.uk.
