Ulrika Jonsson shares 'shameful' drunk selfie as she marks huge achievement

Irish Daily Mirror

2 days ago

Ulrika Jonsson has marked a significant milestone in her life. The former Gladiators presenter has shared her triumph of reaching one year of sobriety, prioritising her continued abstinence from alcohol.
The 57 year-old celebrity has previously spoken candidly about her struggles with drinking, recalling episodes where she'd "black out and not recall the night" and have no memory of the night's events. She has also acknowledged that alcohol served as a means of escape, helping to alleviate her anxiety.
"I drank to kill my feelings of anxiety and my fears of everything," she had confessed.
Now, having successfully stayed away from booze for a year, Ulrika is resolute in her decision and focused on maintaining her sobriety. To commemorate this achievement, she posted a before-and-after photo on her Instagram, showcasing the transformation she's undergone.
The first image, labelled "Sober", features a radiant Ulrika posing for a makeup-free selfie in her kitchen, donning oversized glasses. In contrast, the second image, marked "drunk", shows Ulrika posing for a wild selfie in her bathroom after a night out, reports the Mirror.
Alongside her post, Ulrika wrote: "Today I'm marking 1yr of sobriety. No fanfare, no medal, no trophy. The journey goes on. A huge thanks to all those beautiful people who have supported me; understood me; scooped me up and handled me tenderly and without judgement; who nudged me in the right direction; who made me laugh and helped me shed the crippling shame."
Ulrika's heartfelt message expresses her gratitude to those who have stood by her throughout her journey, offering support and guidance without judgement. "Thank you to my kids for their support; for having faith in me after I must have worried them so. For close friends for their patience and belief. My sobriety will continue to be my priority. Turns out it IS possible to teach old dogs new tricks."
Her post, amassing over 7,000 likes, was inundated with accolades. Kerry Katona, the one-time pop sensation now TV personality, wrote: "So bloody proud of you my darling. Miss and love you all the world."
Michelle Heaton added her own cheer: "So happy for you darling,".
A fan also showed their support with uplifting words: "Well done on the first of many anniversaries of sobriety @ulrikajonssonofficial. You have chosen to be and do better and that is a huge transition and not without its challenges so, all props to you and long may it continue for you to reap the rewards."
Another voiced encouragement saying: "Thank you, Ulrika, I'm trying to follow in your footsteps, and posts like this are really affirming. Congratulations on 1 year."
While someone else shared their own victory: "Congratulations! I'm at 5 years and 5 months and it's still the best thing I ever did,".
Opening up about the moment that sparked change, Ulrika revealed a jolting wake-up call. She detailed: "One Saturday morning my best friend, who I love and cherish, called me and basically told me we had spoken the night before and she hadn't understood a word I had said.
"She told me I needed help. I knew it came from a place of love. The sense of shame would have been enough to make me want a drink. But not on that occasion. Instead, I sobbed like a child who desperately needed someone to hold her. I was full of despair."