Liberty X's Michelle Heaton speaks of mastectomy 'hell'

Liberty X's Michelle Heaton talks of decision to undergo double mastectomy (Rex Features)

Former Liberty X star Michelle Heaton said there was "light at the end of the tunnel" after having a double mastectomy in a bid to avoid developing breast cancer.

The singer had the operation three weeks ago after she was diagnosed with a mutated gene called BRCA2 which meant she had an 80% chance of developing breast cancer and a 30% chance of ovarian cancer.

Heaton told ITV1's Lorraine show: "For the first two or three days I didn't know where I was. It was hell - it was a week of hell, I'm not going to lie.

"If then someone had told me how good I'd feel now I wouldn't have believed them and it has only been three weeks.

"So there is light at the end of the tunnel and any woman going through this or who is worried about the surgery - you will be fine, you will be absolutely fine. It really is all worth it."

She said the reconstructive surgery on her breasts was "great", adding: "When I first saw them I just burst into tears with relief and realised they are normal."

Heaton, 33, said she thought she would have her ovaries removed in "a few years time".

PA