Michelle Bridges has revealed for the first time what really happened the day she was charged with drink driving, admitting that she made a ‘poor decision’.
Speaking to this week’s Stellar magazine, the 49-year-old says she had been drinking with girlfriends the night before as she nursed a broken heart following her split from partner Steve ‘Commando’ Willis.
The fitness instructor revealed: ‘Privately I was going through a pretty stressful time on a personal level, coming to terms with my relationship breakdown.
Open: Speaking to this week’s Stellar magazine, Michelle Bridges (pictured) has revealed for the first time what really happened the day she was charged with drink driving, admitting that she made a ‘poor decision’
‘I spent the evening with girlfriends who rallied around and do what girlfriends do, lend a shoulder, lend an ear. And with that, we were drinking. I’m not proud of that, but that’s really the case, and that was my night beforehand.’
She went on to explain that the following morning, she planned to take her son, Axel, four, to the beach.
‘I made that fateful decision, that poor decision, and then off we went. It wasn’t, I suppose, done with as much forethought as what I should have had, and I accept that. Unfortunately I have to accept that,’ Michelle told the magazine.
The 49-year-old admitted she had been drinking with girlfriends the night before as she nursed a broken heart following her split from partner Steve ‘Commando’ Willis: ‘Privately I was going through a pretty stressful time on a personal level, coming to terms with my relationship breakdown’ she said
Michelle blew 0.086 when she was pulled over in her Range Rover with son Axel, in the car about 11.25am on Australia Day.
After she was charged on January 26, Michelle released a statement claiming she was going through a ‘very difficult time’ following her split from Steve, 43.
The star was fined $750 and had her licence disqualified for three months, after pleading guilty to mid-range drink driving.
She added: ‘I spent the evening with girlfriends who rallied around and do what girlfriends do, lend a shoulder, lend an ear. And with that, we were drinking. I’m not proud of that, but that’s really the case, and that was my night beforehand’
Misstep: She went on to explain that the following morning, she planned to take her son, Axel, four, 9pictured) to the beach
Michelle explained: ‘I made that fateful decision, that poor decision, and then off we went. It wasn’t, I suppose, done with as much forethought as what I should have had, and I accept that. Unfortunately I have to accept that’
She had tried to avoid a conviction by hiring a high-profile defence barrister, but wasn’t granted any leniency by the judge.
Outside court, a tearful Michelle said: ‘I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep remorse, shame and humiliation [over] this incident and extreme lack of judgment.
‘I would like to apologise to my family, friends and community for this gross error in judgment and the consequences of these actions will haunt me forever.
Court appearance: Michelle blew 0.086 when she was pulled over in her Range Rover with son Axel, in the car about 11.25am on Australia Day. Pictured outside court on February 18
Verdict: The star was fined $750 and had her licence disqualified for three months, after pleading guilty to mid-range drink driving
She tells Stellar of the decision: ‘I’ve made an incredibly huge mistake and I’m utterly remorseful for it. And I have to live with that. I definitely do not think I’m special’
‘I ask for your forgiveness to my greater community and my family and I thank you for your support.’
Reflecting on it now, Michelle admits it was the most difficult time of her life.
She tells Stellar: ‘I would definitely say that these last two months have been the hardest two months of my life. Without question.’
The former Biggest Loser host went on to say that she accepts responsibility for her actions and the outcome.
Struggles: Reflecting on it now, Michelle admits it was the most difficult time of her life. She tells Stellar: ‘I would definitely say that these last two months have been the hardest two months of my life. Without question’
Split: After she was charged on January 26, Michelle released a statement claiming she was going through a ‘very difficult time’ following her split from Steve ‘Commando’ Willis, 43. The couple are pictured in July 2017
Family ties: Michelle and Steve met while filming The Biggest Loser in 2007. They began dating in 2015 and welcomed Axel in December that year
She said: ‘I’ve made an incredibly huge mistake and I’m utterly remorseful for it. And I have to live with that. I definitely do not think I’m special’.
The trainer says she is getting through this difficult time with the support of friends and family, adding that she’s learned she’s ‘strong’ and can accept help from others.
Michelle and Steve met while filming The Biggest Loser in 2007, at a time when they were both in relationships with other people.
They began dating in 2015, after splitting from their respective partners, and welcomed Axel in December that year.
Read more: In this week’s Stellar Magazine