Kerry Katona is a dynamic English television personality, singer, author, and media figure whose life has been defined by both remarkable achievements and headline-grabbing controversies. This article offers a comprehensive look at her journey, from humble beginnings to pop stardom, reality TV fame, personal struggles, family life, and recent developments.
Early Life and Background
Kerry Katona was born on September 6, 1980, in Warrington, Cheshire, England. Her upbringing was difficult; she spent much of her childhood in foster care, living with four different sets of foster parents and attending eight schools. Her maternal grandfather was Hungarian, fleeing Budapest for London during World War II. These formative experiences instilled resilience but also left emotional scars that would later influence her public persona.
Family Details
Kerry has been married three times and is a mother to five children. Her family has been central to her public narrative.
- Brian McFadden (Westlife singer): Married in 2002, divorced in 2006. Children: Molly Marie (b. 2001) and Lilly-Sue (b. 2003).
- Mark Croft: Married in 2007, divorced in 2011. Children: Heidi Elizabeth (b. 2007) and Maxwell Mark (b. 2008).
- George Kay: Married in 2014, divorced in 2017. Child: Dylan-Jorge Rose (b. 2014).
Despite marital turmoil and public scrutiny, Kerry has often stated her children are her motivation for recovery and growth.
Music Career: Atomic Kitten
At age 18, Kerry auditioned for a new girl group that became the internationally successful Atomic Kitten. Alongside Liz McClarnon and Natasha Hamilton (who replaced Heidi Range), she helped launch the group in 1998.
- 1999: Debut single “Right Now” hit #10 in the UK charts.
- 2001: Co-wrote and shot the music video for “Whole Again”—but left the group days before its release due to her pregnancy.
- After her exit, the group soared, with “Whole Again” reaching #1 in 18 countries and their albums and singles selling over 10 million records worldwide.
Katona is remembered for contributing to Atomic Kitten’s foundation and early image, though her personal life often overshadowed her musical legacy.
Reality TV Career
From 2002 onward, Kerry transitioned into reality television, marking a new chapter in her visibility.
- 2004: Won “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!”.
- 2011: Competed on “Dancing on Ice” and “Celebrity Big Brother,” placing second in the latter.
- Has starred in or featured on more than a dozen reality TV series, including “Celebs on the Farm,” “Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins,” “Celebs Go Dating,” and her own documentary series.
These programs showcased her openness about mental health, addiction, rehab, and rebuilding—often connecting her struggles to viewers facing similar issues.
Achievements and Records
Kerry Katona’s career milestones include:
- Original member of Atomic Kitten, helping launch a worldwide pop success.
- Winner of “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!” (2004).
- She has made frequent reality show appearances, with a few series focused exclusively on her life.
- Media columns, magazine features, and books.
- Sales milestones: Atomic Kitten sold more than 10 million records, with four UK #1 singles and two UK #1 albums.
Books and Writing
Kerry is also an author. Her autobiography, published by Orion, and other writings detail her life’s highs and lows, struggles with bipolar disorder, addiction, and recovery.
Personal Struggles and Controversies
Kerry Katona’s personal life has been marked by public turmoil:
- Addiction: She has openly battled substance abuse, with her journey covered in both tabloids and television.
- Bankruptcy: Katona declared bankruptcy twice, first in 2008 and again in 2013, sharing her financial struggles candidly with the public.
- Relationships: Marriages to Brian McFadden, Mark Croft, and George Kay were fraught with drama, including allegations of abuse and addiction.
- Mental Health: Kerry has spoken frankly about her diagnoses of depression and bipolar disorder and her work to raise mental health awareness.
- Media Controversies: Infamous incidents include an erratic TV interview on “This Morning” that generated widespread concern about her well-being.
- OnlyFans: She has defended her decision to join OnlyFans, calling it a “saving grace” after financial hardship, and credits it with helping her regain stability.
- Public feuds and viral moments: Recent headlines include her defending her new relationships and responding to criticisms about cosmetic surgery and body image.
Recent News
As of 2025, Kerry’s life continues to make headlines:
- New Romance: She found love with Paolo Margaglione through “Celebs Go Dating” and is “happier than ever” after her split with Ryan Mahoney.
- Tour: She’s touring with Katie Price, building on their long friendship and support for one another.
- Ongoing Media Engagement: Kerry continues to write columns, participate in reality TV, and engage fans on social media.
- Cosmetic Surgery Debate: Kerry was left “upset” after TV presenter Eamonn Holmes made controversial remarks about her appearance on live TV, fueling further online discussion about body shaming and plastic surgery.
- Mental Health Advocacy: Kerry remains vocal about trying to stay “positive” in the face of ongoing personal challenges and supports others dealing with similar issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Kerry Katona?
Kerry Katona is an English television personality, former pop singer (Atomic Kitten), author, and reality star known for her openness about her personal struggles and achievements.
How many children does Kerry Katona have?
Kerry has five children: Molly, Lilly-Sue, Heidi, Maxwell, and Dylan-Jorge.
What reality shows has Kerry Katona appeared in?
She has won “I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!”, competed in “Dancing on Ice,” “Celebrity Big Brother,” and starred in multiple documentary series about her own life, among many other appearances.
What struggles has Kerry Katona faced?
Kerry has publicly battled mental health issues, substance abuse, bankruptcy, and domestic turmoil. She is also outspoken on issues of body image and women’s safety.
Is Kerry Katona still in the public eye?
Yes, she regularly appears in reality TV, writes columns, tours live shows, and maintains an active social media presence. She is known for her resilience and ability to reinvent herself.
What is Kerry Katona’s relationship status today?
As of September 2025, Kerry is happily dating Paolo Margaglione, whom she met during filming of “Celebs Go Dating”.
Has Kerry Katona released any books?
Yes, Kerry has published an autobiography and other works reflecting on her personal life, challenges, and fame.
What is Kerry Katona’s association with OnlyFans?
She joined OnlyFans after her bankruptcy, crediting the platform with giving her financial security and helping to rebuild her confidence.
What are Kerry Katona’s achievements in music?
She is one of the original founders of Atomic Kitten, contributing to early hits and helping set the stage for their international success, including millions of records sold.
Why is Kerry Katona considered a controversial celebrity?
Her candidness about addiction, financial struggles, relationships, and mental health, combined with public incidents and media portrayals, has made her both admired and criticised.
Kerry Katona’s Legacy and Influence
Kerry remains an example of resilience and openness in British celebrity culture. Despite numerous setbacks, she has continued to evolve, maintaining strong fan support and using her platform to advocate for mental health and female empowerment.
Her ability to pick herself up after public falls underscores a tenacity that has inspired others, proving that setbacks do not define a person’s future. Whether through headlines, reality TV, or heartfelt writing, Kerry Katona’s life is a story of survival, stardom, controversy, and the constant hope for a better tomorrow.
