She’s set to become one of Married At First Sight’s most-talked about participants thanks to her big personality and no-holds-barred approach to life. And it’s clear nothing and nobody will faze incoming bride Hayley Vernon, who has lived one very colourful life in her 32 years.
Speaking exclusively to Woman’s Day, a close friend of the brunette beauty tells all about the reality star’s debilitating drug habit and the circumstances that have shaped her life so far.
One of Hayley’s closest friends, who has asked to remain anonymous, reveals the former financial broker is lucky to be alive.
“We’re talking about someone who managed to survive an eight-year long meth habit,” says the friend. “This habit saw her live in 15 houses over that period. Hayley got through some seriously dark situations thanks to her strong-mindedness.
Hayley is a bride on the new season of MAFS.
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“She’s been around the block, and I assure everyone, even a stint on Australia’s biggest television show won’t be enough to stop Hayley being herself,” the source quips.
“After surviving some pretty awful stuff over the years, she is making the most of a second chance at life – she’s bubbly, outspoken, enthusiastic about everything and totally uncensored in what she says.”
It’s a far cry from Hayley’s life as a teenager. At 16, the impressionable teen started smoking marijuana, a habit that within a year had morphed into extensive amphetamine use.
“This was unacceptable to her single mum, who promptly kicked her out of home,” her friend explains.
“It was a really tough time for her. Her mum was dealing with mental illness, so Hayley was trying to look out for her little sister from afar, and at roughly the same time, a close family friend died. Her world just imploded.”
According to her friend, the pressure pushed Hayley into more serious drugs, particularly ice.
“She used it initially to numb her emotions, but then it became something she couldn’t control. A few of us tried to get her away from it over the years, but she was a high-functioning addict who seemed to be holding it together,” she adds.
At one of Hayley’s lowest periods, one of her bosses agreed to pay for her rehab.
“Hayley’s lowest periods, one of her bosses agreed to pay for her rehab.”
(Image: Exclusive)“She made good money in finance, where she had the gift of the gab, but she was always off her tree! Despite holding down good jobs, Hayley’s bank account was always empty, because her $800-a-week habit was sucking her dry,” says the friend, who insists the vivacious brunette was forced to live in shared accommodation with strangers. “At one point she was stealing clothing and food, and selling them to other addicts and with the money she made, she would eat – and so would the dog!”
This worked for a while “until it didn’t”, at which point the former account executive suffered a complete breakdown.
Hayley’s friend reveals the reality star battled an 8-year-long meth addiction.
(Image: Exclusive)Thankfully for Hayley, a group of women in the fitness industry turned her life around. She befriended a trainer, who set her on the path to a healthier lifestyle.
“Hayley has been drug-free for several years now and I’m really proud that she was able to dig herself out of the really deep hole.”
Poppy & Hayley’s boozy night In!
While Hayley is certainly no longer dabbling in drugs, the reality TV bride isn’t avoiding booze!
A source reveals Hayley and fellow bride Poppy Jennings, 38, enjoyed a “wild night in” last week, where the pair all but trashed their hotel room.
Hayley and Poppy enjoyed a boozy night in.
(Image: Exclusive)“Hayley basically made out with a painting, leaving her lipstick all over the hotel wall art,” says the insider. “They were knocking back whiskeys and wine until 4am in the morning.” Hayley and Poppy are said to have formed a close bond during filming.
WATCH: Meet Married At First Sight’s Poppy Jennings.
