Michelle Heaton bravely stripped down to a bikini to show off her scars, live on TV. The singer appeared on Loose Women to promote the show's body confidence campaign, and to encourage women to be comfortable with their figures. Wearing a blue two-piece, Michelle showed her hysterectomy and C-section scars to the panellists, live audience and viewers at home.
"I'm trying to get women to be more confident about their bodies," said Michelle, 37. The Liberty X singer, who has two children with her husband Hugh Hanley, admitted that she was "nervous" about baring her body. She was only asked on Tuesday if she would appear in a bikini on Wednesday's show, and initially turned down the request. But after more thought, Michelle, who is now a fitness coach, said she felt it made sense for her to help people feel comfortable in their own skin. “I knew I was always going to be on the show today but to be in a bikini was only decided yesterday.” She then added: “At first I said no as I didn’t feel comfortable, but then I thought my whole thing is to get women to be more confident with their bodies. I thought, if I don’t do it – then who am I to give advice to other people?” she explained.
Michelle Heaton appeared on Loose Women on Wednesday
The actress also pointed out her C-section scars, saying: "I've kept these C-section and hysterectomy scars between me and my husband, until today." She said she had always hidden her scars in high-waisted bikinis until now. After her TV appearance, Michelle proudly shared a Twitter photo of herself and her manager, who convinced her to go on the show. "When your manager @AliParry33 persuades you to bare all on @loosewomen the least she can do is smile in my mirror selfie I took earlier," she wrote.
The singer bravely showed off her scars
Michelle also thanked her fans, tweeting: "Thank you everyone at @loosewomen especially the wonderful @RuthieeL and the girls for making me feel #bodyconfident #MyBodyMyStory." The singer was inundated with messages from fans. Author Anna Williamson tweeted, writing: "Woohoo you go girl @wonderwomanshel how amazing do you look on @loosewomen honeypie!! Inspiring." Steps singer Lee Latchford-Evans also posted: "@loosewomen ladies & @wonderwomanshel proving beauty shines on the outside when released from within. Love & Respect."