Matt Willis reveals he married wife Emma just THREE DAYS after he came out of rehab and admits ‘I shouldn’t have been there’

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Matt and Emma Willis got married just three days after the Busted star left rehab, he has revealed.

The TV couple married in 2008 and have three children. However, Matt, 42, has revealed that his past struggles with drug and alcohol addiction cast a shadow over their wedding day. He now feels he shouldn’t have been there, looking back on it.

The musician has publicly discussed his difficulties with staying sober, especially since becoming famous with the band Busted at the young age of 19.

Before he was 25, he went to rehab on three separate occasions. One of those times was just a month before his 2008 wedding to Emma, 49, after she told him he needed to get help with his substance abuse or she wouldn’t marry him.

In a heartfelt conversation on his podcast, On The Mend, Matt revealed he started heavily drinking and using drugs when his fiancée, Emma, was away filming a TV show just weeks before their wedding.

He confessed that the two weeks she was gone were the worst he’d ever experienced, explaining that he drank constantly, to the point where he feared for his life.

Matt’s counselor and tour manager managed to get him to a rehab facility in Bournemouth, but he immediately tried to escape as soon as they arrived.

He bought a lot of alcohol from a nearby store, got extremely drunk, and passed out on the street.

It was a stranger who found him and physically carried him through the door of the rehab centre.

That moment was a turning point for Matt. He realized he needed to change his approach, saying he decided to fully commit to following instructions, listening to advice, and taking on everything that was asked of him.

I left rehab on Thursday because I had a wedding planned for Saturday morning, so I wanted to be out in time for it.

Matt shared that he arrived at his wedding with Emma completely drug-free, and his counselor was there with him for support.

It wasn’t a particularly good day for me, honestly. Getting married when you’re feeling anxious is strange,” he said. He also mentioned he was proud to have stayed sober all day, even though he’d provided a free bar and gave his guests sambuca as wedding favors.

He said his friends and family were all aware he’d recently completed rehab and was struggling. It was obvious to everyone, he explained.

‘I think they were surprised that I was there and that she was there.’

My spouse and I were recently watching our wedding video, and it reminded us how many people doubted our relationship would last – they predicted we’d get divorced within six months! It felt like they were expecting things to fall apart.

Looking back, I realize I wasn’t in the best headspace to even be at my wedding. Honestly, it was a whirlwind – leaving rehab and then getting married just three days later. It was a really tough time, and probably not the smartest move I ever made.

‘But if I hadn’t have done that, I would not have been at that day.’

If I hadn’t shown up, or if I’d disappointed her, things wouldn’t have worked out. I’m actually glad everything happened the way it did because it led me to where I needed to be.

I wish I hadn’t been so anxious and could have relaxed and enjoyed the day more.

The couple renewed their vows in 2018 to mark their tenth anniversary.  

After being sober for several years, Matt shared his powerful BBC documentary, ‘Fighting Addiction,’ in 2023. The film received positive reviews for its honest portrayal of his struggles with relapse and recovery, and how his addiction affected his family.

Matt had been clean and sober throughout the first part of his marriage, but he started using drugs again in 2017 while touring with his former band, Busted. At the time, his youngest daughter, Trixie, was only ten months old.

In a recent podcast episode, Matt talked about how making amends is important for his recovery, and revealed that Emma is the person he feels most indebted to.

He’s openly discussed the difficult aspects of his addiction and how it damaged his marriage. He’s admitted that when he was heavily using drugs, he manipulated his wife, Emma, into doubting her own sanity.

He admitted that during periods of excessive drinking, he would sometimes leave apologetic notes for her, fearing he wouldn’t survive the night.

He described ‘step work’ as a process of identifying past wrongs and then making things right with those you’ve harmed. He felt his wife, Emma, deserved his deepest apologies and gratitude, as she supported him through a very difficult time.

Honestly, people assume I just went and apologized, you know? Like, a simple ‘I’m sorry’ and everything would be fixed. But it wasn’t like that at all. I just… couldn’t. I spent so much time trying to figure out what I’d even say. It wasn’t about pride, it was just… I was completely lost on how to even begin to make things right. I just didn’t know where to start, and it paralyzed me.

‘I don’t know if there’s enough words to do it justice and I didn’t want to not do it justice.’

He explained that he kept waiting for the right moment. He wanted to do it when he felt ready and when he was sure she would truly appreciate it.

Over time, I realized I was showing my feelings through actions, not words. It wasn’t about being afraid to express myself, but rather about becoming the person I wanted to be for her.

I’m committed to being there for her and following through on my commitments. I believe I’m working to make things right with her each day.

Matt shared that talking to his kids – Isabelle (16), Ace (13), and Trixie (9) – about his addiction has been one of the most difficult challenges he’s faced while getting better.

He explained that people eventually started asking why he didn’t drink, pointing out that his nanny and mother sometimes did.

It’s difficult to know when and how to tell your child you struggle with alcohol. It’s a really strange conversation to have with a kid, and figuring out the right words can be tough.

He explained that he’s always handled things his own way, and he’s made sure people understand his reasons for that. He also suggested that if he did change, he wouldn’t be the same person they know today.

When I drink or use drugs, I feel like I transform. Everything I value – my relationships, goals, everything – fades into the background. All that matters in that moment is the substance itself.

I never want to disappoint you again, especially because I love you and want to be the best possible person for you.

For confidential help and support with drugs, talk to FRANK on 0300 123 6600.

For issues relating to alcohol, contact Alcoholics Anonymous on 0800 9177 650.

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2026-02-11 15:22