A 15-Year Journey of Love and Support
Michelle Heaton and her husband Hugh Hanley have always been each other’s strongest supporters, and now they’re celebrating a significant milestone—15 years of marriage. This special anniversary was marked in July, and Michelle shared how Hugh has been her “rock” through all the challenges life has thrown their way.
The couple, who are parents to their two children Faith and AJ, exchanged vows in the Bahamas in 2010. However, their story began long before that. Their journey together is one filled with love, resilience, and a deep bond that has only grown stronger over time.
Who Is Hugh?
Hugh, originally from Ireland, is the director of personal training at PureGym. He graduated from University College Dublin and has since been working in the lifestyle and fitness industry. While he prefers to stay out of the spotlight, he has opened up about his experiences as a partner to someone struggling with addiction.
In an interview on the talk show Lorraine, Hugh reflected on the difficulties of being with an addict. He said, “There were many times where I could have walked away; it would have been easier. Life with an addict is extraordinarily hard.”
How They Met
After her previous whirlwind marriage to Andy Scott Lee, Michelle met Hugh on a night out in Dublin. Their first date took place in Cork, where they watched a P!nk concert and then dined at Man Friday in Kinsale.
Years later, Michelle returned to the same restaurant for a special video with her family. She shared how, during that meal, they decided they wanted two kids and named them Faith and AJ. “This is where my husband brought me a long time ago,” she said. “At this meal, we decided that we were going to have two kids in the future and we were going to name them Faith and AJ and we got our dream.”
The Wedding
The couple tied the knot in the Bahamas in July 2010, two years after they first started dating. Their wedding was a sun-soaked celebration, with Michelle wearing a classic trumpet tulle gown and tiara, while Hugh wore a light grey suit. It was also Michelle’s birthday, making the day even more special.
Family Life
Two years after their wedding, Michelle and Hugh welcomed their daughter Faith in 2012. Their son Aaron Jay, known as AJ, joined the family in 2014. Michelle often shares photos of their family life, highlighting how important they are to her and why she sought help for her addiction.
Fighting Addiction
Michelle has been open about her struggles with alcohol and drug addiction. She once revealed that during her time at Priory, she was drinking up to two bottles of wine a day, one bottle of vodka, and using cocaine. In April 2025, she celebrated four years of sobriety and thanked Hugh for never leaving her side.
“My husband, thank God, never walked out. He knew I was in there somewhere; he was just waiting for me to find myself again,” she said. “Every day, I know I’m lucky to be alive and here for Faith and AJ.”
Hugh has also spoken about their journey, saying, “It’s like we’ve had a second chance to fall in love again. I think we’re getting on better than ever… The best outcome is where we are now. The kids have a far better mum and she’s back to being the person I married.”
Supporting Each Other Through Challenges
Hugh was by Michelle’s side when she underwent mastectomy surgery in 2012 after discovering she carried the BRCA2 gene, which increases the risk of breast or ovarian cancer. Since then, Michelle has used her social media platform to advocate for women facing similar diagnoses, raising awareness about the challenges they face, including early menopause.
Their story is a testament to love, resilience, and the power of support. As they celebrate 15 years of marriage, Michelle and Hugh continue to inspire those around them with their strength and commitment to each other.
