I’m a mum, I dumped my husband at 42 & became the ultimate catfish – I look so different, people hardly recognise me

A MUM who was left feeling 'worthless' after her marriage fell apart decided to put all her energy into making herself look better and people are stunned by the results.

Emma Sheppard, 42, from Blackpool, split with her husband in 2020 but reveals she is now living her best life after her glow up.

The mum-of-two realised it was time to prioritise herself and find inner happiness after spending years caring 'for everyone else.'

After the split, she joined the gym, cut back on smoking, ditched junk food, glammed up and even found her way on Tinder.

Emma, a welfare case worker from Blackpool, said: "I feel amazing and it's like the beauty comes from within. It's like walking on air."

But it's not just her inner beauty that has caught everyone's attention - including one Love island star.

While Emma doesn't have a partner yet, she is looking for love on Tinder - where she caught the attention of a man who claimed to be a Love Island star.

She said: "It was funny to get hit on by that Love Island guy. I didn't recognise him at first but I thought, 'My type on paper'.

"I worked it out when we talked over Snapchat and I saw videos of him. He was messaging saying how pretty I was and that I don't look like 42.

"It was very flattering, and a shock, and quite funny."

She added: "Before I'd always just worked hard and cared for everyone else. But, one day after we separated, I realised it was my turn.

"I looked old empty and drained, but now I'm living my best life. I'm happy and I look completely different."

Emma tied the knot back in 2000 when she was 22 and expected to be married for life, but the relationship broke down several years ago, she explained.

Her husband moved out in January 2021, and the divorce was finalised in October of that year.

Emma was initially down about the marriage ending but, after listening to Roar by Katy Perry, she decided to move on.

She started by giving her wardrobe an overhaul - switching her usual black trousers and flats for skirts, heels, and brightly coloured jackets and coats.

She also started wearing red lipstick for the first time and cut her 20-a-day smoking habit to just four.

Emma, who doesn't drink, also took a job at a cocktail bar two nights a week and began going to the gym for weights and cardio five times a week.

The mum also switched up her eating routine from egg and chips and bacon sandwiches to homemade chicken pasta and bolognese.

She said: "I'd married for life. It was him, the girls and work. I felt I'd got it all sorted. It was really bad after he left, it really broke me. I felt worthless - I was having panic attacks.

I had no confidence in myself and was so isolated. I was just existing, working to pay the bills and just getting through. One day I woke up and thought, 'You come from a family of strong women, you are free and you can make a difference in your life'.

"I realised I can be so much more. It was like a force from somebody watching over me. Everything about me is completely different now.

"People say I look incredible compared to before, and I think it's because I'm so happy inside.

"Now I just smile all the time. And this is just the beginning."