I poured gas on the hearth with my ingesting drawback as a brand new mum – I struggled a lot I may barely maintain going, admits Millie Mackintosh in emotional This Morning interview

Millie Mackintosh opened up about her alcohol struggles in an emotional interview on This Morning with Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard on Thursday. 

The 35-year-old appeared on the ITV show to chat about her new book Bad Drunk: How I Found My Freedom From Alcohol – And You Can Too. 

Millie – who shot to fame on E4’s Made In Chelsea in 2011 – decided to go sober two and a half years ago and hasn’t looked back since. 

The reality star explained how her complicated relationship with booze started as a teen and continued way into her 20s when she starred on the reality show, until she knew she had to change when she became a mum to Sienna, four, and Aurelia, three.

Millie told Cat and Ben: ‘When I became a mother, I thought I could get a handle on my drinking and know when to draw the line because I was now a mother, but actually it was pouring fuel on fire because I was struggling as a new mum and alcohol was so readily available.

‘I felt like it’s socially acceptable and it was a release.’ 

She added: ‘After I had my kids, I just knew I couldn’t keep going and acting how I was, it was making me really unhappy. 

‘It was affecting my relationships and my husband.’ 

Millie gave birth to Sienna in 2020 and welcomed Aurelia in November 2022. 

The reality star shares her two daughters with husband Hugo Taylor. 

The mum-of-two explained that one instance in particular made her realise that she needed to change.  

Millie and Hugo – who met when they were 16 – dated while on Made In Chelsea in 2010, but the pair split after six months and moved on with other people.

However the two, who got married in 2018, rekindled their romance in 2016. 

Her time on the Made In Chelsea meant that she was drinking most nights of the week. 

Although some of the parties that they filmed kicked off at 10am, that didn’t stop them from going out afterwards.  

Millie said: ‘We’d often be hungover from the night before. 

‘I’d be going out with everybody after filming and at that point in my life where I was drinking, you know, most nights of the week, there’d be some party to go to.’ 

Millie decided to go and see a sober coach, who helped her and has now steered clear of booze for more than two years. 

Ben asked Millie if she had withdrawals, to which she replied: ‘No I didn’t have withdrawals.’

The star revealed at the start of the interview that she found releasing her new book to be ‘nerve wracking’.

But she hopes that in sharing what she went through, she will be able to help others. 

Millie took to Instagram in August to celebrate two years sober.

She said: ‘Today marks a big milestone for me – two years since I discovered alcohol-free life. 

‘It’s hard to put into words just how much this journey has transformed my life, but I want to share my experience and reflect on the incredible changes that have come with it.

‘For me, sobriety isn’t just about ditching booze; it’s been about rediscovering myself, finding inner peace, and truly living my life to the fullest! 

‘I realised that I wasn’t the best version of myself when I was drinking, I and something had to change. 

‘Taking that first step was terrifying – it meant confronting the reasons behind why I was drinking in a destructive way and facing a lot of uncomfortable truths.

‘But deep down, I knew it was the only way to break free and create a life that truly reflected who I wanted to be.

In this second year, I realised that my problems didn’t just go away when I stopped drinking, and in therapy have really had to dig deep into my past and look at things I’ve buried for a long time, it’s an ongoing process of healing.

‘However I am able to now face challenges with a clear mind and a steady heart, rather than being overwhelmed by anxiety or stress.

‘Physically, I feel stronger and more resilient than I ever did before. My skin is clearer, my energy levels are higher, and I sleep so much better.

‘It’s amazing how much our bodies can heal and thrive when we treat them with the love and care they deserve. 

‘Sobriety has also allowed me to rebuild and strengthen my relationships. I’m more present with my loved ones, more empathetic, and more connected. I’m no longer hiding behind a haze; instead, I’m fully engaged and truly appreciate the people in my life.

‘Every day, I’m learning more about myself and I’m excited for what the future holds. To everyone reading this who is on their own journey – whether you’re just starting out or have been sober for years – I would love to hear from you. 

‘How has your journey been? What challenges have you faced, and what victories have you celebrated?

This Morning airs weekdays from 10am on ITV and is available to stream on ITVX.