Susannah Constantine reveals she is a recovering alcoholic

‘I’ve been in recovery for nearly seven years,’ says presenter of What Not To Wear

Susannah Constantine has revealed that she is a recovering alcoholic.

Speaking on the podcast, My Mate Bought A Toaster, the TV presenter said that she has been in recovery for almost seven years and regularly attends Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.

“I'm going to say this and I'm going to say this on your podcast and it's not something I've spoken about before, really. It's important. I'm in recovery, so I’m an alcoholic," she said.

“I'm an alcoholic and I've been in recovery for nearly seven years now.”

The 58-year-old went on to explain how her alcoholism has impacted those closest to her, including her husband, businessman Sten Bertelsen.

 “As an addict, I would get all my own defects and find someone else to attach them to.

“And so I thought my husband was passive-aggressive, but actually I was the one.

"I was the angry ­passive-aggressive and my poor ­husband had to live with it.”

Constantine and Bertelsen have been married for 25 years and have three children, Cece, 16, Esme, 19, and Joe, 21.

The TV presenter said it was “so liberating” when she realised she had a problem.

“I felt a lot of shame most of the time, but when I realised that, the relief was so immense because I could change it,” she said.

“I wasn't having to change someone else. It was down to me and I was responsible and accountable for becoming a better person and becoming sober and so it was the most extraordinary relief to have that lightbulb moment.”

While this is the first time Constantine has spoken about her alcoholism, she has previously spoken about cutting back on alcohol.

“Alcohol is fun when you're younger, but it's also a crutch, and it wasn't having a great impact on my life,” she told The Mirror in 2017.

The NHS says alcohol misuse is when you drink in any way that's harmful, or when you're dependent on alcohol. 

To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, both men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week.

Alcoholics Anonymous helpline is open 24/7 on 0800 9177 650. If you would prefer, you can also email them at help@aamail.org or live chat via their website at www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk. Drinkline, a free, confidential helpline for people who are concerned about their drinking, or someone else's. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm).