Katie Price’s longtime friend Michelle Heaton has shared an emotional message about her arrest.
The former glamour model was arrested on suspicion of drink-driving on Tuesday morning, after she got into a car crash in West Sussex.
Taking to Instagram today, Michelle expressed her support for Katie, who she leaned on earlier this year when she entered rehab for alcohol addiction.
In a statement, the Liberty X star wrote: “As you all know, Katie was there for me when I needed her and I, of course, am there for her!”
“Right now, please give us all space. And sorry to those requests to myself and my manager, we will not be talking about this or doing any interviews about it, unless Katie herself or her family wish me to.”
“Our friendship over 21 years is built on trust. At this point I just reiterate what her family said and will support all in private.”
Michelle added: “To anyone else out there who needs help – ask for it and you’ll be surprised at the support that’s given to you. Asking is the hardest but first step.”
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Following her arrest on Tuesday, Katie was charged for driving without a license or insurance.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “Katie Price, 43, Horsham, was charged with using a motor vehicle on a public place without third party insurance and driving whilst disqualified.”
“She was remanded in custody and will appear at Crawley Remand Court on Wednesday (29 September).”
Katie’s family addressed her arrest in an Instagram post shared on Tuesday, revealing the mother-of-five is “unwell” in an emotional statement.
They wrote: “As a family we have for some time been concerned about Kate’s wellbeing and overall mental health. Today our worst fears nearly came true.”
“As a family we have been and will continue to help Kate get the help she needs. We hope that she will realise that she cannot battle her issues alone.”
“We would kindly ask that the media and wider public give Kate the time and space she needs to seek the necessary treatment, so that she can hopefully return to the Kate we know and love as a mother, daughter and sister.”
“We are concerned and worried about her deeply, we know she lives her life publicly and to many she is fair game, but as a family we hope she can find her path privately moving forward during this very difficult period in her life.”
“We are not asking for sympathy – just that it is recognised that Kate is unwell. We take great comfort in reading the messages of support and love for Kate that we will pass on to her, in the hope that these positive messages will help spur her on.”
“It takes great strength for one to acknowledge they need help, we hope the door is now open for Kate to learn to love herself and to be happy within.”
“Mental illness is not a personal failure,” they added, before signing off with: “The Price Family.”
Katie’s fiancé Carl Woods also took to Instagram on Tuesday following the incident, showing his support for his wife-to-be.
The former Love Island star wrote: “Relationships are tested. People test each other – but when you love someone like I love Katie. You enjoy the highs and good times together. And that bond is tested during the low and difficult times together.”
“Katie is a rough diamond. She has her imperfections however they make her perfect to me. She just needs that extra help to be polished.”
“The sunlight will shine through her once again and the sparkles that she brings to everyone will return.”
“I love you Katie 100%. My Dolly, always here, always will be,” the 32-year-old added.
