Heather Locklear skyrocketed to fame in the 1980s with her roles in Dynasty and T.J. Hooker, quickly becoming the ultimate beach blonde, all-American girl. Her posters adorned the bedroom walls of teenage boys across the nation. But those admirers were in for a shock when Heather tied the knot not once but twice, with rockstars — first, Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee, and later Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora. The latter led to the birth of their daughter, Ava, and for a while, Heather seemed to be living a perfect Hollywood life. But fame’s glitter often hides cracks, and soon, Locklear’s story took a darker turn.

Early Beginnings and Lumbee Roots

Heather Deen Locklear was born in Los Angeles on September 25th, 1961. Her parents, Diane and Bill Locklear, provided a strong foundation — her father was a former Marine Corps colonel, and her mother worked as a production executive.

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Though she became the quintessential blonde bombshell, Heather had more than just Hollywood lineage. She carried Native American roots through her father’s Lumbee ancestry, a heritage from North Carolina. Intriguingly, the name Locklear comes from the Tuscarora tribe, meaning "hold fast."

Rejected by the Cheerleading Squad 

Heather wasn’t always embraced by her peers. In high school, she was rejected from the cheerleading squad — jealousy, perhaps? Thankfully, the drama club saw her potential and welcomed her with open arms.

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This pivotal moment led to Locklear’s love affair with acting. Who knew that a teenage snub would be responsible for launching one of the most famous faces in Hollywood?

Puppy Love with a Future Flame

Heather’s striking looks — long blonde hair, piercing blue eyes — made her a standout even in high school. Some compared her to Farrah Fawcett, a fitting nod given her future Hollywood trajectory. It was during this time that she met and fell in love with Chris Heisser, a schoolmate who became her first love.

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Though they parted ways as life pulled them in different directions, fate had other plans. Heather and Chris would later rekindle their romance decades down the road.

Modeling Start

After graduating high school, Heather attended UCLA, where her father worked. She dabbled in sorority life but never fully immersed herself. Instead, she gravitated toward modeling, appearing in ads for the campus store.

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This was just the start — soon, her face was splashed across campaigns for major brands like Pepsi and Polaroid. From small-time modeling gigs to national commercials, Heather’s undeniable appeal was taking her places.

From 'The Fall Guy' Confusion to 'Dynasty' Fame

Locklear’s early acting career was full of minor roles, with appearances on shows like CHiPs and Fantasy Island. But her real breakthrough came in 1981, when she joined the cast of Dynasty as Sammy Jo Dean.

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This glamorous role solidified her status as a household name, running until the show’s finale in 1989. Interestingly, many viewers confused her with fellow blonde bombshell Heather Thomas, who starred in The Fall Guy. But Locklear was the one making waves in the prime-time soap opera world.

Shining as Officer Stacy in 'T.J. Hooker'

In 1982, Locklear took on another iconic role — Officer Stacy Sheridan in T.J. Hooker. Paired with William Shatner, Locklear’s character battled crime in Los Angeles while becoming a television staple.

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Fans were hooked on her mix of beauty and grit. Little did they know, years later, Heather would find herself entangled with the law in real life.

The Tom Cruise Encounter That Didn’t Go as Planned

At the height of her fame, Heather had a brief brush with a future Hollywood megastar: Tom Cruise. The two met in the early ’80s and decided to hang out one night. However, things didn’t quite click.

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Heather later recounted an awkward moment on Chelsea Handler’s show, where Cruise tried to impress her by reenacting his famous Risky Business dance moves. Instead of sparking romance, the encounter left Heather wondering what to do. It wasn’t exactly love at first sight, and their connection fizzled out.

Scott Baio: The One That Got Away

By 1983, Heather had caught the eye of another TV heartthrob, Scott Baio. Famous for his roles on Happy Days and Joanie Loves Chachi, Baio was smitten with Locklear.

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He even confessed to People magazine that Heather was the first girl he ever loved. Unfortunately, Baio couldn’t commit, and the relationship ended before it could truly blossom.

A Fling with Mark Harmon

Heather’s Hollywood romances didn’t stop with Baio. In 1984, she starred in Firestarter as Drew Barrymore’s mother — a curious casting choice considering Heather was only 14 years older than her on-screen daughter. 

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Around this time, she had a brief holiday romance with NCIS star Mark Harmon. Their fling started over Christmas but fizzled out by New Year’s, which Harmon later referred to as “just an emotional cup of coffee.”

Heather Locklear and Tommy Lee’s Rollercoaster Romance

In 1985, Heather Locklear, America’s sweetheart, broke millions of hearts when she began dating Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee. The pair met backstage at an REO Speedwagon concert, where rock 'n' roll chaos was the norm—but for Tommy, it was love at first sight. As he locked eyes with the blonde beauty, he later confessed, “The first time I saw Heather, I got so flipped out I think I lost part of my mind.”

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Tommy, who was known more for his bad-boy persona than his shyness, admitted that he couldn’t muster the courage to approach her at first. In a twist of fate, he got help from a mutual friend who knew Heather’s dentist, which led to Tommy securing her number—and the rest, as they say, is history.

First Impressions Gone Wrong

Tommy may have been bold on stage but on the phone, it was a different story. When he finally called Heather, he made the kind of mistake that could easily have sabotaged any potential romance. In a case of mistaken identity, he exclaimed, “Hey, check it out; you’re on channel two!”

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He was watching The Fall Guy—but confusing Heather Locklear with Heather Thomas. Luckily, Heather found it hilarious, and what could have been a dealbreaker became a charming anecdote of their early days.

A First Date to Remember

Their first date was anything but ordinary. Tommy showed up in a limo, clad in his trademark black leather with wild, backcombed hair. Heather, nervous and excited, ran back upstairs to make her hair wilder to match his rocker style.

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Despite their differences—Heather the Hollywood glam queen, Tommy the tattooed rock star—the two hit it off instantly. Their chemistry was undeniable, setting the stage for a whirlwind romance.

Winning Over Her Parents

While their love story seemed like a rock-and-roll fairytale, Tommy had one final challenge: meeting Heather’s parents. The heavily tattooed drummer worried about making a good impression on Heather’s strict father.

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In a move that surprised many, Tommy ditched his rebellious look, covered his tattoos, and made sure to act like a perfect gentleman. His efforts paid off—Heather’s father gave his blessing, impressed by how much Tommy cared for his daughter.

Huge Love

Just months after they met, Heather was ready to take the plunge and proposed to Tommy while they were in a Dallas hotel. But Tommy wasn’t satisfied with such a casual approach.

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On Christmas Eve, 1985, he made it official with his own proposal. While they sipped champagne in the back of a limousine, Tommy presented Heather with a 2.3-carat diamond ring. She said yes, and the couple set their wedding date for the following spring.

The Wedding of the Year

On May 10, 1986, Heather Locklear and Tommy Lee tied the knot in a lavish ceremony at the Biltmore Hotel in Santa Barbara. Heather wore a stunning mermaid gown, while Tommy embraced his rock star persona with a white leather tuxedo.

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The wedding was a star-studded affair with 500 guests in attendance. Tommy, ever the optimist, declared that they would be “the coolest grandparents in the world.” Sadly, his prediction about their future didn’t quite come true.

The Rollercoaster Ride Begins

After their glamorous wedding, the newlyweds moved into a $2 million mansion in Westlake Village. At first, it seemed like wedded bliss. Heather gushed to People magazine that “Tommy doesn’t worship the devil; he worships me.”

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But behind closed doors, Tommy’s rock star lifestyle—complete with groupies and late-night parties—started taking its toll.

The Beginning of the End

While Heather was aware of Tommy’s infidelities, it wasn’t until the mid-’90s, when an affair with an adult film star was caught on camera, that she had enough. Heartbroken and humiliated, Heather filed for divorce.

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What had started as a rock ‘n’ roll love story ended in the harsh spotlight of tabloids and gossip columns. Fans noted that the marriage “went bad on the honeymoon,” and despite Tommy’s promises of change, it was clear the couple was headed for splitsville.

Still Friends After All These Years

Despite their tumultuous relationship, Heather and Tommy have remained on good terms. On what would have been their 30th anniversary in 2016, Heather posted a nostalgic photo of them together with the caption, “Happy 30 years baby.”

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It’s a bittersweet reminder that, while their marriage didn’t last, their connection endures in some form.

A New Love 

After her divorce from Tommy, Heather found herself in the arms of another rock star—Bret Michaels, Poison’s frontman. Though their relationship was brief, it added yet another chapter to her storied love life in the world of ‘80s hair metal. But even as she moved on from Tommy, the two would forever be linked in the public eye.

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Heather Locklear’s love life may have been a rollercoaster but she remains an icon—proof that sometimes, even in the wild world of rock and Hollywood, love can leave its mark, even if it doesn’t last forever.

A Rock 'n' Roll Journey

You might think Heather Locklear would have learned her lesson after her tumultuous marriage to Tommy Lee, the notorious rock bad boy. Yet, less than a year after their split, she found herself marrying another rock icon: Richie Sambora, the talented guitarist from the '80s hair metal sensation Bon Jovi.

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Their paths crossed in 1994 but they faced a significant challenge from the start. While Heather was a glamorous California girl, Richie was based in New Jersey, creating quite the geographical divide. However, despite the distance, their romance flourished, and less than a year after her divorce, the couple exchanged vows in a picturesque Parisian ceremony. By 1997, they welcomed their daughter, Ava Elizabeth Sambora, into the world.

The Rise of Heather in Spin City

Just two years after Ava's birth, Heather landed a significant role on the hit sitcom Spin City, which took place in the office of the New York City mayor. Originally starring Michael J. Fox as Deputy Mayor Mike Flaherty, Heather's character, Caitlin Moore, captivated audiences for 76 episodes from 1999 to 2002. After Fox left the show in 2000 due to health issues, Charlie Sheen took over as the lead for the last two seasons, bringing his own set of scandals and controversies.

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As Sheen's notorious reputation unfolded, Heather's life began to spiral in a similar direction. Though her marriage to Sambora had seemed perfect, with domestic bliss and trust while he toured, it was not meant to last.

The End of a Dream

In February 2006, after eleven years of marriage, Heather shocked Richie by filing for divorce, revealing in a press release allegations of his substance abuse and infidelity, which he firmly denied. The real turning point came when Heather discovered an email on Richie's computer from a mutual female friend, complete with some rather suggestive photos.

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The following month, Richie sought joint custody of their daughter and invoked their prenuptial agreement. Their divorce was finalized in April 2007, leaving Heather feeling “absolutely devastated” and struggling to cope with her mentor Aaron Spelling’s recent passing.

Betrayal from a Friend

During this tumultuous period, Heather turned to her friend Denise Richards for support, only to find out that Denise was dating Richie.

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In Denise's defense, she claimed that her relationship with Heather was more of a recent friendship rather than a lifelong bond, complicating the situation further.

Co-Parenting Amidst Chaos

Despite their rocky divorce, Heather and Richie managed to maintain a cordial relationship for the sake of their daughter, Ava. Richie was determined to co-parent effectively, famously stating, “If you don’t get along, you are messing the kid up.”

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They set aside their differences and occasionally celebrated holidays together, demonstrating their commitment to Ava's well-being. Ava has since grown up to become a model and actress, even earning a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from USC—an achievement that must come in handy during those family gatherings! Today, Richie expresses deep respect for Heather, claiming they are “better friends now than ever before,” proving that sometimes, love evolves into something even more meaningful.

A Brief Interlude in Heather Locklear’s Life

After enduring the tumultuous rollercoaster of two rock ‘n’ roll marriages, Heather Locklear was keen to steer clear of musicians for her next relationship. As her divorce was finalizing, she opted to date an actor—because surely, actors are paragons of virtue, right? At just 37, the newly single star began seeing stand-up comedian and Saturday Night Live alum David Spade.

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Heather was drawn to David's quick wit and humor. She once humorously remarked to TMZ, “He has a big…” which many interpreted as a cheeky reference to his larger-than-life personality! Their romance lasted only six months but it was memorable. Spade reflected on their time together during an interview on Radio Andy, stating, “She was nice to go out with, and I will always be indebted to her because she was so nice, so fun.”

A Soap Opera Romance

By this point, Heather had established herself as a major star on Melrose Place, where she portrayed the savvy Amanda Woodward, involved in a dramatic storyline with the scheming Dr. Peter Burns, played by musician and actor Jack Wagner. Though they had shared a platonic friendship for years, things took a romantic turn just a month after her divorce from Richie Sambora.

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Heather shared with People magazine that her relationship with Jack was “wonderful, exciting, and blossoming.” In 2011, they even got engaged, leading many to wonder if she had finally found lasting love. Would they escape to a tropical paradise for a secret wedding? Not quite!

A Crisis Unfolds

While things seemed bright at first, Heather’s struggles resurfaced. In March 2008, during the early stages of her relationship with Jack Wagner, a frantic 911 call was made, allegedly by someone posing as Heather’s doctor, claiming she was attempting to take her own life. Authorities rushed to her home in Westlake Village, only to find that she was safe, although they believed the emergency call to be genuine.

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The turmoil escalated when, in June 2008, Heather voluntarily checked into a medical facility in Arizona to address anxiety and depression. Her agent confirmed that she was indeed battling these issues, and after four weeks of treatment, she returned home.

Legal Troubles Begin

However, the challenges didn’t end there. In September 2008, Heather was pulled over by the California Highway Patrol and arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence after being reported for erratic driving. A former Us Weekly editor called the cops, claiming to witness her dangerous behavior.

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Photographer Jill Ishkanian captured the arrest and sold the photos to TMZ for a hefty sum, which only added to Heather’s woes. Despite being charged with DUI in November, tests revealed no alcohol or illegal substances in her system. Instead, the judge suggested that her medications may have impaired her driving abilities. In January 2009, Heather pleaded no contest to a lesser charge of reckless driving, resulting in three years of probation, a DMV safety class, and a $700 fine.

A Cycle of Trouble

While she managed to avoid serious consequences from the reckless driving charge, Heather’s reliance on prescription medications and alcohol deepened, leading her to a troubled path. By 2010, she faced another legal issue when she hit a no-parking sign with her car near her home and then decided to flee the scene.

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This incident led to her second arrest for misdemeanor hit-and-run. However, due to the difficulty in proving who was driving the vehicle—which was registered in both Heather’s and her ex-husband Richie’s names—charges could not be filed.

Engagement Canceled

While Heather Locklear and Jack Wagner's relationship initially seemed idyllic, behind the scenes, shadows loomed. As Heather struggled with substance dependency, the couple ultimately decided to call off their engagement in November 2011. After investing significant time in planning an elaborate wedding, they recognized that tying the knot would be disruptive for Heather's daughter and Jack's son. Their split marked yet another chapter in Heather’s increasingly erratic behavior.

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Jack, concerned for Heather’s well-being, had urged her to seek rehabilitation before their breakup. It wasn’t until after their separation that she finally entered a treatment program. Despite her family's attempts to keep this situation out of the public eye, it became a recurring theme in her tumultuous life.

Street Fighter

Though Heather seemed to have avoided legal issues for a brief period, the calm didn’t last long. A violent incident occurred just after Christmas 2011, when Jack visited Heather’s Thousand Oaks home to return items she had left behind. An argument escalated into a physical confrontation on the street.

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An anonymous source disclosed to the Daily Mail that a fierce exchange of insults occurred before Jack attempted to grab Heather as she got into her car. In response, Heather swung and struck Jack with a right hook, knocking him down. The police were called to the scene but no charges were filed, and the case was closed, leaving Heather’s life increasingly unravelling.

A Call to 911

Just weeks later, on January 12, 2012, Heather’s sister dialed 911, fearing for her sister’s safety after Heather reportedly consumed a dangerous mix of prescription medications and alcohol. Emergency personnel swiftly responded, and an ambulance took her to Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, California. Thankfully, Heather was reported to be out of danger the following day and returned home.

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It remains unclear whether Heather's actions were a suicide attempt or a desperate cry for help. Either way, it was evident that her reliance on alcohol and prescription drugs had reached a critical point, causing severe ramifications for her health and life.

Rehab

In 2013, Heather’s family publicly acknowledged her long-standing issues with alcohol, shedding light on a struggle that had persisted for years. 

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While she had previously cited Richie Sambora’s substance issues as a reason for their divorce, it became apparent that Heather had been grappling with her own demons throughout their marriage.

Long Rehabilitation

Throughout the years, Heather found herself in and out of rehabilitation programs more frequently than one could count. While it’s challenging to ascertain the exact number of rehab stints—thanks to her family's efforts to shield her struggles from public scrutiny—some reports suggest she has sought help more than 20 times.

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The cycle of addiction and recovery became a significant part of her narrative, revealing the deeper challenges she faced behind the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.

A New Hope and Quick Decline

Following her tumultuous split from Jack Wagner and the aftermath of her struggles, Heather Locklear ventured back into the dating scene. This time, she opted for a blind date with Larry Porush, a tech entrepreneur boasting a net worth of over $50 million. Their initial meeting must have been a success, as they quickly became an item.

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With a stable businessman by her side, rather than the typical rock star or heartthrob, it seemed that Heather was finally moving past her troubled past. They even got engaged, with Locklear often calling Larry “the one.” However, the fairytale didn’t last long; just under two years later, their relationship encountered significant turbulence, leading to yet another split.

Dr. Marc Mani: Keeping It Low-Key

Next in Heather’s lineup of romantic entanglements was Dr. Marc Mani, a prominent Beverly Hills plastic surgeon known for being one of the top providers in his field, with a net worth of $15 million. They began dating in 2013 but learning from her previous experiences, Heather chose to keep this relationship mostly private, rarely discussing her new partner.

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On the rare occasions they were seen together in Los Angeles, it was clear that they appeared happy and in love. However, even this seemingly strong connection crumbled after three years, ending in 2016.

A Blast from the Past

Fast forward to a reunion with Heather’s high school sweetheart, Chris Heisser, known for his long, golden hair reminiscent of Farrah Fawcett. After four decades apart, the two rekindled their friendship, which quickly blossomed into romance. A close friend shared, “After all the fame, she found her way back to a simpler life with the boy she dated in high school.”

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Was Chris the man who would help Heather regain her footing? Unfortunately, the answer was a resounding no, as trouble loomed on the horizon.

A Dramatic Altercation

On February 26, 2018, a massive argument erupted between Heather and Chris at her Thousand Oaks home. Concerned for her safety, Heather’s brother called 911. When the police arrived, they encountered a “heavily intoxicated” Locklear in the midst of a heated confrontation with her boyfriend.

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Heather was arrested on suspicion of felony domestic violence following the altercation. Instead of calming down, she became increasingly aggressive, kicking three officers who attempted to separate her from Chris and later kicking a paramedic who was helping her onto a gurney. In addition to the domestic violence charge, she faced multiple counts of battery against law enforcement personnel and resisting arrest.

Things Get Even Worse

After being released on a $20,000 bond the following morning, things spiraled further out of control. Just hours later, Chris Heisser was arrested for DUI, speeding through their neighborhood.

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Compounding the chaos, police obtained a warrant to search Heather’s home for weapons on March 12. Fortunately for her, no weapons were found. Later that month, Heather reportedly entered rehab to address her ongoing issues, following the domestic violence charges and the incident with law enforcement. Unfortunately, her troubles with the law were far from over, marking yet another chapter in her tumultuous journey.

Back to Her Old Ways

On June 24, 2018, the LAPD was once again called to Heather Locklear's home on Summit View Drive near Westlake Village. When the officers arrived, they found that she had bitten her boyfriend Chris Heisser’s nose, leading to another arrest.

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Reports suggest that Heather may have also lashed out at the emergency responders during the incident. Following her release on bail, she was hospitalized, and it seemed she had tragically attempted to take her own life once more.

A Shift in Sobriety

Initially, her relationship with Chris appeared to help her stay sober since 2019. However, in July 2023, troubling photos surfaced in The New York Post, showing Heather looking disheveled and behaving erratically, raising concerns that she may have relapsed.

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Close friends noted that she had returned to drinking. Despite the worries, a year after reuniting, Chris proposed to Heather, showcasing an impressive diamond ring. In April 2020, she announced on Instagram that she had been sober for a year, hinting at a hopeful turnaround after years of turmoil.

A New Chapter
A year after rekindling their romance, Chris and Heather became engaged. Locklear proudly showcased a stunning diamond ring to the paparazzi, proclaiming that she was engaged to her “favorite person!” By April 2020, she shared on Instagram that she had reached the milestone of one year sober. After a tumultuous 15 years, Heather seemed to have finally discovered a sense of tranquility.

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In April 2024, CBS announced a reboot of Melrose Place, 25 years after the iconic characters Amanda and Peter shared their final moments together. Will Heather maintain her sobriety and enjoy a blissful life with Chris? Fans will have to tune in to Melrose Place to see if Heather Locklear embarks on yet another incredible journey.