Latest news with #Ulrika
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Ulrika Jonsson marks one year sober after 'self-loathing' drove her to alcohol
Former Gladiators host Ulrika Jonsson has marked one year of sobriety this week, celebrating her massive achievement and reflecting on what led her to drink in the first place Ulrika Jonsson has reflected on the reasons she turned to alcohol as she marked one year of sobriety. The former Gladiators star revealed last year that she had been dealing with a secret drink problem, with concerned friends and family supporting her. But after walking away from the drink, she has celebrated 12 months sober and reflected on what caused her to develop a problem. The star, 57, previously spoke about her issues with drinking and how she would "black out and not recall the night". She also admitted that drink offered her an escape from anxiety. "I drank to kill my feelings of anxiety and my fears of everything," she previously admitted. Mother-of-four Ulrika would sometimes drink until she blacked out, and concern grew among her friends when they would try to have a conversation with her but she made no sense. She admitted she would wake up with no memory whatsoever of the night before. Writing in The Sun, Ulrika said that on June 5 last year, she was hungover and realised she couldn't continue drinking to the extent she was. She admitted she needed help, and text one of her friends, who had been on their own sobriety journey: 'I can't do this any more." She said: "It was a hangover day, much like any other, really. I sat on the sofa with my liver and brain pickled in equal measure, wrapped up in the blanket of shame, and something made me reach out for help." Although she was still functioning, with a career, close family and good friends, she suffered mentally. Ulrika heartbreakingly added: "There is nothing quite as 'sobering' as admitting to dropping to your knees at 11am and sticking your lips around a bottle of 40 per cent alcohol; feeling it swiftly burn your throat and immediately extinguish your anxiety, fears and self-loathing." "Alcoholics come in all shapes and sizes and many live among us in plain sight," Ulrika said. She admitted her family has a history of alcoholism, leading her to think she could be predisposed to it. Marking her sobriety anniversary this week, she took to her Instagram page. Ulrika shared a before-and-after snap of her journey and how different she looks since kicking the drink. She marked the first photo "Sober", sharing a glowing Ulrika pose for a selfie in the kitchen of her home as she went make-up free while rocking a pair of oversized glasses. Meanwhile, her second image saw a "drunk" Ulrika, posing for a glassy-eyed selfie in her bathroom after a night on the tiles. Captioning 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. "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." Ulrika's decision to get sober came after a frank conversation with a friend. She confessed: "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."
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Ulrika Jonsson admits 'crippling anxiety, fears and self-loathing' led her to alcohol as she marks one year of sobriety
has opened up about her journey to sobriety in a powerful open letter, revealing that she has now been alcohol-free for over a year and it has transformed her life in ways she never imagined. The TV presenter, 57, made the shocking admission that 'I can't do this any more,' was the life-saving message she sent to a friend on June 5 last year - a moment she now credits with rescuing her from the depths of addiction. She wrote in The Sun: 'It was a hangover day, much like any other, really. I sat on the sofa with my liver and brain pickled in equal measure, wrapped up in the blanket of shame, and something made me reach out for help.' The star, described herself as a 'binge drinker who drank to black out,' and detailed how her addiction crept in slowly. Although she didn't drink daily, lose her job, children, or end up in prison or get arrested, the toll it took was significant. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. The TV presenter, 57, made the shocking admission that 'I can't do this any more,' was the life-saving message she sent to a friend on June 5 last year - a moment she now credits with rescuing her from the depths of addiction Ulrika admitted to drinking for the wrong reasons - to numb her 'crippling anxiety, to escape, to disappear and extinguish my self-loathing'. She also spoke openly about the shame and secrecy that surrounded her behaviour. From drinking neat rum in a cupboard at 11am to waking up with no memory of the night before, she revealed that her drinking quickly spiralled out of control, but remained hidden behind a polished exterior. Despite having a 'quite unremarkable' drinking history on paper, Ulrika revealed the emotional damage was profound. 'Alcoholics come in all shapes and sizes and many live among us in plain sight,' she wrote, adding that her family history made her vulnerable. 'I wasn't cut out for life,' she confessed, recalling how alcohol became her coping mechanism. 'I wanted the full anaesthetic effect… I just wanted the feelings to stop.' Since giving up alcohol, Ulrika says she has learned more about herself in the past year than in the previous five decades and added how she has had a 'spiritual awakening' and found an 'inner peace'. While family and friends have celebrated the milestone, with her daughter even offering to take her out for a meal, Ulrika admitted the lead-up to her one-year anniversary was filled with anxiety. She now lives one day at a time and accepts that recovery is a lifelong journey. It comes after Ulrika marked one year sober, sharing an emotional Instagram post about the milestone on Thursday. The TV star shared before and after photos, captioned 'sober' and 'drunk' as she told her 204k followers that 'the journey goes on.' 'Today I'm marking 1yr of sobriety,' Ulrika wrote. '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.' She paid tribute to her four children Cameron, 30, Bo, 25, Martha, 20, and Malcolm, 16, and apologised for the concern she has caused them over the years: '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. Alongside the before and after snaps, Ulrika shared a childhood photo of herself as well a poignant reminder of 'this day last year'. In December Ulrika marked her six months sober milestone, as she credited her loved ones for helping her get this far. In her post, the former Gladiators star shared a picture of herself presently as well as an older snap of herself 'under the influence of alcohol', which she admitted that she previously 'couldn't bear' to look at. 'A huge thanks to all those beautiful people who have supported me; understood me; scooped me up and handled me tenderly and without judgement, she captioned the post Alongside the before and after snaps, Ulrika shared a childhood photo of herself as well a poignant reminder of 'this day last year' Detailing her road to sobriety, Ulrika penned: 'Today I am 6 months sober. On the 5th June 2024, I had the gift of desperation and reached out for help. I no longer recognised myself and I surrendered. Referring to the image where she was 'drunk', Ulrika added: 'Pic. 2: is of me in the midst of the madness. Another drunk moment. At first I couldn't bear to look back at pictures of myself under the influence of alcohol. The cloak of shame was too heavy a burden. 'But now I look at those images and feel pity and sympathy for that girl - she desperately needed to be scooped up; held tightly and helped. Not shamed or judged. She was quite, quite broken and had no idea there was another way.' Concluding her post, she shared: 'There is so much more to say - and I will say it in time. I'm still very much at the beginning of my journey but my life has changed in a beautiful way. It's a spiritual thing. One day at a time….
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
My name's Ulrika Jonsson & I'm an alcoholic – I was on knees swigging a bottle at 11am then one day I made cry for help
Read on as Ulrika bravely opens up about being trapped in a 'vicious cycle of hell' and how sobriety saved her life - and her sanity BOTTLE BATTLE My name's Ulrika Jonsson & I'm an alcoholic – I was on knees swigging a bottle at 11am then one day I made cry for help MY name is Ulrika and I am an alcoholic. Not a drop of alcohol has passed my lips in just over a year. 7 Ulrika Jonsson bravely marked one year of sobriety with before and after photos 7 The 57-year-old admits getting sober saved her life - and sanity Credit: Instagram For family and friends, it's been a cause for great celebration, it's viewed as a major feat. My eldest daughter even offered to take me out for a celebratory meal. For me, the run-up to this anniversary has been the cause of much trepidation and a sprinkling of fear. But, most of all, it's been a realisation. Because this is my life now. The day I surrendered and accepted I had a problem with alcohol, I knew I couldn't just give it up for a while. I knew I couldn't just cut back in the hope that I'd be cured, because alcoholism is a disease for which there is no cure. There is a solution, but there is no fix. I was trapped in a vicious cycle of hell. Even with my best friend calling me one Saturday morning to tell me to get help because I clearly had a problem, I refused despite the unbearable shame I felt. Alcoholics are selfish creatures. Yes, having a problem with alcohol meant I was an alcoholic. Even though I would NEVER have admitted it at the time. Then came June 5 last year. A hangover day much like any other, really. I sat on the sofa with my liver and brain pickled in equal measure, wrapped up in the blanket of shame, and something made me reach out for help. Ulrika Jonsson speaks out during Sober October about overcoming binge drinking I typed a message that read, quite simply: 'I can't do this any more' and sent it to a friend who was five years' sober. And that's how a life of sobriety saved my life and my sanity. There is every possibility I could have given up drinking by myself — my obstinance can be a virtue — but I wouldn't have been able to heal myself and reach the level of emotional sobriety I have today without the support of other ex-drunks and a programme to guide me. Saved my life It has saved my life in more ways than one. And, without sounding too evangelical about my journey, I've had a spiritual awakening and found an inner peace I never knew possible. I'm a different person to the Ulrika I was over a year ago. I've learnt more about myself in the past year than I did in my past 56 on this planet. I was trapped in a vicious cycle of hell. Even with my best friend calling me one Saturday morning to tell me to get help because I clearly had a problem Has it been easy? Nothing easily gained is ever worth having, I say. I've not had the temptation to pick up a drink, but alcohol is impossible to avoid — it's everywhere. What to do if you think are an alcoholic IF you're struggling with alcohol addiction, the most important thing is to recognise the problem and seek support - You don't have to face it alone. Seek Professional Help GP or Doctor – A medical professional can assess your situation and provide advice on treatment options. – A medical professional can assess your situation and provide advice on treatment options. Therapists or Counsellors – Talking to an addiction specialist can help address underlying causes and develop coping strategies. – Talking to an addiction specialist can help address underlying causes and develop coping strategies. Rehab or Detox Programmes – If physical dependence is severe, medically supervised detox may be necessary. Consider Support Groups Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – A well-known 12-step programme that provides peer support. – A well-known 12-step programme that provides peer support. SMART Recovery – A science-based alternative to AA, focusing on self-empowerment. – A science-based alternative to AA, focusing on self-empowerment. Local Support Groups – Many communities have groups tailored to different needs. At the beginning, I would look lovingly at a glass of red wine when I went out for a Sunday roast. But knowing that a drink would not make things better, and it would never just be the ONE, stopped me from picking it up. I found Christmas difficult initially and, disconcertingly, Easter was even harder, with family around me drunk and laughing at things that just weren't funny. I had a couple of dates earlier this year, when I knew the social lubricant of alcohol would have calmed my nerves and allowed me to hide beneath a veil of intoxication. But at least I was able to be my authentic self — to be more discerning and accept that these men were just not for me. Sobriety comes with a hefty dose of honesty, which can be as welcome as it can be unwelcome. So, this journey goes on. It's not a destination. It will only end with my dying breath. I've yet to learn the exact damage my drinking might have inflicted on those around me. 7 I was trapped in a vicious cycle of hell and my best friend told tell me to get help because I clearly had a problem, says Ulrika 7 Ulrika admits she was binge-drinker who drank to black out I think of my children and how worried about me they were. How I must have scared them. How torn they must have been between wanting to say something and just hoping I would come to my senses. I have amends to make. I have character defects to accept and improve. I have to remember to live in the moment and that whether I'm one year or ten years' sober, for me it will continue to be one day at a time. I still have alcohol in the house. Removing it would make no difference to me. I believe if I really wanted a drink, I would go to buy it. I have no objections at all to others drinking around me but, by Christ, people can be annoying when drunk! At least it's not me doing the crazy stuff, dancing on the tables or doing things I will quickly forget or regret. Nor do I wake up with punishing hangovers and terrifying anxiety or even a new haircut because the rum thought it was a great idea to give myself a new look the night before. Beautiful things happen in sobriety. Good things come your way. Beautiful people come into your life, too. People without judgment who fundamentally care for you and understand you. That has been my greatest reward. Don't get me wrong, life has continued to throw me curveballs. I'm just better equipped to deal with them as a sober person. Sobriety comes with a hefty dose of honesty, which can be as welcome as it can be unwelcome I have a history of alcoholics in my family on my mother's side, but I don't have decades of alcohol abuse behind me. I didn't become addicted after the first sip of Pimm's at the age of 14 when I first got drunk. My drinking history is quite unremarkable. It didn't result in me losing my job, my marriage, my children or even my driving licence. I didn't get arrested or end up in jail. I wasn't a vomiting mess that couldn't get her kids ready for school in the morning. I wasn't a violent drunk. Which is why it might be helpful for anyone else out there to note that alcoholics come in all shapes and sizes and many live among us in plain sight. But the few years running up to my decision to quit, I was clearly drinking for the wrong reasons and I had no control over my cravings. I was a binge-drinker who drank to black out. Heavy shame A perfect storm of life led me to self-medicate, to soothe away life's ills and sharp edges; to quell my crippling anxiety by drinking neat rum from the neck of the bottle while kneeling into the cupboard underneath the stairs. There is nothing quite as 'sobering' as admitting to dropping to your knees at 11am and sticking your lips around a bottle of 40 per cent alcohol; feeling it swiftly burn your throat and immediately extinguish your anxiety, fears and self-loathing. Drinking was 'my thing'. It was a personal and private activity I had all to myself. I foolishly believed it was harmless because it didn't affect anyone else, so it was nothing anyone could take away from me. And I loved it. It made me feel instantly better and helped me cope with life. It killed my feelings of being overwhelmed; it relaxed me and made me a much nicer person. I thought . . . See, the one thing I had established by the time my drinking got completely out of hand was that I simply wasn't cut out for life. 7 Beautiful things happen in sobriety. Good things come your way. Beautiful people come into your life, too, says Ulrika Credit: Getty 7 Ulrika says she's now better equipped to deal with life's curve-balls 7 I've not had the temptation to pick up a drink, but alcohol is impossible to avoid — it's everywhere, says Ulrika Credit: Instagram I just couldn't cope. Everyone else seemed on top of everything while I was constantly swimming against the tide. I was forever traipsing through fields of molasses; perpetually found myself on the battlefield of life utterly unarmed. I was just no good at it. While I made no specific plan to end my life, my hope was eventually that alcohol would destroy me. I was a solitary drinker. But what might have started out as fun very quickly, and without fail, ended in blackout. I couldn't just have the one drink. What weirdo does that? I wasn't seeking light inebriation. I wanted the full anaesthetic effect. My self-esteem and self-worth were so bad, I believed the drink would make me become someone else. Or better still, nothing at all. I had such crippling anxiety about the present and future, which was coupled with past ordeals, that I was desperate for my feelings just to STOP. Because I didn't initially drink every day, and because my life looked impeccable from the outside, I convinced myself there wasn't a problem. I was still in control. However, I know now that those close to me saw a different picture. They heard my slurred voice on the phone; saw my drunk eyes betray me; worried about my volatile and highly strung demeanour and mood swings. They grew tired of repeating things to me that my blackouts had erased. It took months to rid myself of the heavy shame that drinking brought. Now, I realise I was really ill — both physically and spiritually — and that makes me go a bit easier on myself. In short, I'm grateful to my alcoholism for bringing me to where I am today: a life of honesty and integrity; of clarity and calm and being the person I never believed I could be. My name is Ulrika and I'm an alcoholic. And I have chosen life.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
My name's Ulrika Jonsson & I'm an alcoholic – I was on knees swigging a bottle at 11am then one day I made cry for help
MY name is Ulrika and I am an alcoholic. Not a drop of alcohol has passed my lips in just over a year. Advertisement 7 Ulrika Jonsson bravely marked one year of sobriety with before and after photos 7 The 57-year-old admits getting sober saved her life - and sanity Credit: Instagram For family and friends, it's been a cause for great celebration, it's viewed as a major feat. take me out for a celebratory meal. For me, the run-up to this anniversary has been the cause of much trepidation and a sprinkling of fear. But, most of all, it's been a realisation. Because this is my life now. Advertisement The day I surrendered and accepted I had a problem with alcohol, I knew I couldn't just give it up for a while. I knew I couldn't just cut back in the hope that I'd be cured, because alcoholism is a disease for which there is no cure. There is a solution, but there is no fix. I was trapped in a vicious cycle of hell. Advertisement Even though I would NEVER have admitted it at the time. Then came June 5 last year. A hangover day much like any other, really. I sat on the sofa with my liver and brain pickled in equal measure, wrapped up in the blanket of shame, and something made me reach out for help. Ulrika Jonsson speaks out during Sober October about overcoming binge drinking I typed a message that read, quite simply: 'I can't do this any more' and sent it to a friend who was five years' sober. And that's how a life of There is every possibility I could have Saved my life It has saved my life in more ways than one. And, without sounding too evangelical about my journey, I've had a spiritual awakening and found an inner peace I never knew possible. Advertisement I'm a different person to the I've learnt more about myself in the past year than I did in my past 56 on this planet. I was trapped in a vicious cycle of hell. Even with my best friend calling me one Saturday morning to tell me to get help because I clearly had a problem Has it been easy? Nothing easily gained is ever worth having, I say. I've not had the temptation to pick up a drink, but alcohol is impossible to avoid — it's everywhere. What to do if you think are an alcoholic IF you're struggling with alcohol addiction, the most important thing is to recognise the problem and seek support - You don't have to face it alone. Seek Professional Help GP or Doctor – A medical professional can assess your situation and provide advice on treatment options. Therapists or Counsellors – Talking to an addiction specialist can help address underlying causes and develop coping strategies. Rehab or Detox Programmes – If physical dependence is severe, medically supervised detox may be necessary. Consider Support Groups – A well-known 12-step programme that provides peer support. – A science-based alternative to AA, focusing on self-empowerment. At the beginning, I would look lovingly at a glass of red wine when I went out for a Sunday roast. Advertisement But knowing that a drink would not make things better, and it would never just be the ONE, stopped me from picking it up. But at least I was able to be my authentic self — to be more discerning and accept that these men were just not for me. Sobriety comes with a hefty dose of honesty, which can be as welcome as it can be unwelcome. So, this journey goes on. It's not a destination. It will only end with my dying breath. Advertisement I've yet to learn the exact damage my drinking might have inflicted on those around me. 7 I was trapped in a vicious cycle of hell and my best friend told tell me to get help because I clearly had a problem, says Ulrika 7 Ulrika admits she was binge-drinker who drank to black out I think of my children and how worried about me they were. How I must have scared them. How torn they must have been between wanting to say something and just hoping I would come to my senses. I have amends to make. I have character defects to accept and improve. I have to remember to live in the moment and that whether I'm one year or ten years' Advertisement I still have I have no objections at all to others drinking around me but, by Christ, people can be annoying when drunk! At least it's not me doing the crazy stuff, dancing on the tables or doing things I will quickly forget or regret. Nor do I wake up with punishing hangovers and terrifying Beautiful things happen in sobriety. Good things come your way. Beautiful people come into your life, too. Advertisement People without judgment who fundamentally care for you and understand you. That has been my greatest reward. Don't get me wrong, life has continued to throw me curveballs. I'm just better equipped to deal with them as a sober person. Sobriety comes with a hefty dose of honesty, which can be as welcome as it can be unwelcome I have a history of alcoholics in my family on my mother's side, but I don't have decades of alcohol abuse behind me. I didn't become addicted after the first sip of Pimm's at the age of 14 when I first got drunk. My drinking history is quite unremarkable. It didn't result in me losing my job, my marriage, my children or even my driving licence. I didn't get arrested or end up in jail. I wasn't a vomiting mess that couldn't get her kids ready for school in the morning. I wasn't a violent drunk. Which is why it might be helpful for anyone else out there to note that alcoholics come in all shapes and sizes and many live among us in plain sight. Advertisement But the few years running up to my decision to quit, I was clearly drinking for the wrong reasons and I had no control over my cravings. I was a binge-drinker Heavy shame A perfect storm of life led me to self-medicate, to soothe away life's ills and sharp edges; to quell my crippling anxiety by drinking neat rum from the neck of the bottle while kneeling into the cupboard underneath the stairs. There is nothing quite as 'sobering' as admitting to dropping to your knees at 11am and sticking your lips around a bottle of 40 per cent alcohol; feeling it swiftly burn your throat and immediately extinguish your anxiety, fears and self-loathing. Drinking was 'my thing'. It was a personal and private activity I had all to myself. I foolishly believed it was harmless because it didn't affect anyone else, so it was nothing anyone could take away from me. And I loved it. It made me feel instantly better and helped me cope with life. It killed my feelings of being overwhelmed; it relaxed me and made me a much nicer person. I thought . . . Advertisement See, the one thing I had established by the time my drinking got completely out of hand was that I simply wasn't cut out for life. 7 Beautiful things happen in sobriety. Good things come your way. Beautiful people come into your life, too, says Ulrika Credit: Getty 7 Ulrika says she's now better equipped to deal with life's curve-balls 7 I've not had the temptation to pick up a drink, but alcohol is impossible to avoid — it's everywhere, says Ulrika Credit: Instagram I just couldn't cope. Everyone else seemed on top of everything while I was constantly swimming against the tide. Advertisement I was forever traipsing through fields of molasses; perpetually found myself on the battlefield of life utterly unarmed. I was just no good at it. While I made no specific plan to end my life, my hope was eventually that alcohol would destroy me. I was a solitary drinker. But what might have started out as fun very quickly, and without fail, ended in blackout. I couldn't just have the one drink. What weirdo does that? I wasn't seeking light inebriation. I wanted the full anaesthetic effect. My Or better still, nothing at all. I had such crippling anxiety about the present and future, which was coupled with past ordeals, that I was desperate for my feelings just to STOP. Advertisement Because I didn't initially drink every day, and because my life looked impeccable from the outside, I convinced myself there wasn't a problem. I was still in control. However, I know now that those close to me saw a different picture. They heard my slurred voice on the phone; saw my drunk eyes betray me; worried about my volatile and highly strung demeanour and mood swings. They grew tired of repeating things to me that my blackouts had erased. It took months to rid myself of the heavy shame that drinking brought. Now, I realise I was really ill — both physically and spiritually — and that makes me go a bit easier on myself. In short, I'm grateful to my alcoholism for bringing me to where I am today: a life of honesty and integrity; of clarity and calm and being the person I never believed I could be. Advertisement My name is Ulrika and I'm an alcoholic. And I have chosen life.
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Ulrika Jonsson celebrates one year of sobriety with heartfelt Instagram post
Gladiators host Ulrika Jonsson has marked one year of sobriety by sharing a before and after selfie - and she looks incredible in both of the snaps. Ulrika Jonsson has hit a significant milestone in her personal journey, celebrating one year of sobriety. The ex-Gladiators presenter took to social media to share her triumph and discuss how staying sober has become her top priority. At 57, Ulrika has been open about her past struggles with alcohol, revealing that she used to "black out and not recall the night". She confessed that drinking was her way of escaping, as it helped suppress her anxiety. "I drank to kill my feelings of anxiety and my fears of everything," she once disclosed. Now, having abstained from alcohol for an entire year, Ulrika is committed to maintaining her sobriety. On Instagram, she posted a comparison photo showcasing her transformation, highlighting the stark contrast between then and now. The first picture, labelled "Sober", shows a radiant Ulrika taking a selfie in her kitchen, bare-faced and sporting large glasses. The second picture captures a "drunk" Ulrika, snapping a raucous selfie in her bathroom following a night out, reports the Mirror. In her heartfelt caption, Ulrika penned: "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 expressed her gratitude in a heartfelt post, saying: "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, which garnered over 7,000 likes, was met with an outpouring of support. Former singer and TV personality Kerry Katona wrote: "So bloody proud of you my darling. Miss and love you all the world." Michelle Heaton also chimed in, saying: "So happy for you darling". One fan offered their congratulations, stating: "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 fan shared their own struggles, saying: "Thank you, Ulrika, I'm trying to follow in your footsteps, and posts like this are really affirming. Congratulations on 1 year." A third fan, who has been sober for 5 years and 5 months, exclaimed: "Congratulations! I'm at 5 years and 5 months and it's still the best thing I ever did". Ulrika's journey to sobriety began after a candid conversation with a friend. She revealed: "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."
