Kerry Katona grabs headlines and hearts even now in 2026 as she steps confidently into a new chapter full of love, family, and fresh plans. Fans who grew up dancing to Atomic Kitten hits still follow her every move because Kerry shows everyone how to bounce back stronger no matter what life throws at her. She rose from a tough childhood to pop stardom, faced public breakdowns and money troubles, and now thrives as a devoted mum of five while building a blended family with her boyfriend Paolo Margaglione. Kerry openly shares her battles with mental health, addiction, and bankruptcy, and she turns those experiences into powerful lessons that help others feel less alone.
In this comprehensive guide you discover everything about Kerry’s life so far. You learn how she left Atomic Kitten at the peak of success, won reality TV shows, rebuilt her finances through smart choices like OnlyFans, and finally found real love after three marriages. Kerry keeps busy as a New! magazine columnist, Supreme CBD ambassador, and active social media star with hundreds of thousands of followers on Instagram and TikTok. She even hints at wedding bells and a possible move to sunny Dubai with her partner and kids. Kerry proves that resilience and honesty win in the end, and her story motivates anyone facing challenges. Read on to explore her full journey with the latest 2026 updates, real quotes, and honest insights that explain why Kerry Katona remains a beloved British icon.
Kerry Katona’s Early Life and Tough Upbringing That Built Her Strength
Kerry Katona entered the world on 6 September 1980 in Warrington, Cheshire, and her childhood tested her from day one. Her family situation grew complicated fast, so authorities placed her in care where four different sets of foster parents raised her while she attended eight separate schools. Kerry learned early how to adapt and survive, skills that later helped her handle fame’s pressures. She left school at just 16 and jumped into the working world as a lap dancer who toured Europe to earn money. At 17 Kerry posed topless for The Sun’s Page 3 and appeared in men’s After the Flood Season 2 magazines like Zoo, which launched her into glamour modelling gigs for titles such as New!, Now, and Star.
Those early jobs taught Kerry independence and confidence, even when life felt unstable. She openly talks today about how the foster care system and constant moves shaped her drive to create a stable home for her own children. Kerry’s Hungarian grandfather fled Budapest during World War II, so she carries that resilient immigrant spirit too. Moreover, Kerry later discovered her mum Sue lived with bipolar disorder, a diagnosis Kerry herself received in 2005. She credits those hard years with building the thick skin she needed for show business. Kerry never hid her past; instead she uses it to connect with fans who face similar struggles. As a result, her story from foster kid to pop star inspires young people everywhere to chase dreams despite obstacles. Kerry Katona turned pain into power, and that foundation still supports her thriving life in 2026.
How Kerry Katona Shot to Fame with Atomic Kitten and Made Pop History
Kerry Katona auditioned in 1998 for a new girl group that music legend Andy McCluskey from OMD put together, and she landed the spot alongside Liz McClarnon and Heidi Range. The band became Atomic Kitten after a few name changes, and they released their debut single “Right Now” in November 1999, which climbed to number 10 on the UK charts. Early singles struggled to crack the top five, and the first album only reached number 29, so the record label almost dropped them. Kerry and the girls pushed hard, and the label gave them one last chance with “Whole Again.”
Kerry shot the music video for that breakthrough track, but she left the group just two days before its January 2001 release because she discovered she was pregnant and clashed with bandmates. The song exploded anyway, hitting number one in 18 countries and becoming a massive global hit. Atomic Kitten went on to score four UK number ones, two chart-topping albums, and around 10 million records sold worldwide. Fans still sing along to classics like “Eternal Flame” and “The Tide Is High,” even though Kerry had already moved on.
Furthermore, Kerry reunited with Liz and Natasha Hamilton in 2013 for ITV2’s The Big Reunion, and the trio toured successfully for four years until 2017. Kerry left the reunion tour after an incident in Australia where she got drunk and hit Hamilton onstage, but she still cherishes those memories. Kerry Katona helped define early 2000s pop, and her honest exit story shows she always put family first. Today she occasionally teases Atomic Kitten throwbacks on social media, keeping fans excited about her music roots.
Kerry Katona’s Solo Career, Books, and Media Ventures That Kept Her Relevant
After leaving Atomic Kitten Kerry Katona refused to fade away, so she launched a solo path that mixed music, writing, and television. She released a few singles but Rangers Manager focused more on reality TV and books that let her tell her own story. Kerry published her first autobiography Too Much, Too Young in 2006, followed by Survive the Worst and Aim for the Best in 2007. She also wrote novels like Tough Love in 2007 and The Footballer’s Wife in 2008, which gave fans fictional drama inspired by her real experiences. In 2012 she dropped Still Standing, another honest memoir, and in 2022 she released Kerry Katona: Whole Again – Love, Life and Me, which updated fans on her growth.
Kerry built a steady career as a columnist for New! magazine, where she shares relatable advice on motherhood, relationships, and mental health. She also became an ambassador for Supreme CBD and offers discount codes to followers, showing her business side. Kerry runs a YouTube channel and TikTok account where she posts family holidays, Christmas decorations, and behind-the-scenes clips that feel genuine and fun. Additionally, Kerry co-hosted the Wheel of Misfortune podcast in 2022 with Alison Spittle, proving her comedy timing still shines.
Kerry Katona never stopped creating, and these projects kept her connected to fans long after the pop charts. Her books especially help readers understand that success comes with ups and downs, and she always encourages people to keep going. In 2026 Kerry still writes columns and posts daily, reminding everyone she remains a multi-talented force.
Kerry Katona’s Reality TV Dominance and Memorable Wins That Made Her a Household Name
Kerry Katona jumped into reality television right after Atomic Kitten and quickly became a fan favourite because of her honesty and humour. In 2002 she presented Thomas Skinner the ITV dating show ElimiDate and appeared on Lily Savage’s Blankety Blank. She won the third series of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in 2004, which boosted her profile hugely. Kerry starred in her own ITV show My Fair Kerry in 2005 and then filmed five MTV UK series from 2007 to 2010 that followed her life, rehab, and bipolar diagnosis with raw detail.
Kerry competed on Dancing on Ice in 2011 and finished second, then did the same on Celebrity Big Brother series 8. She tried entering Celebrity Big Brother in 2009 but failed the psych test. In 2013 The Big Reunion brought her back to Atomic Kitten for more cameras. Kerry returned to Celebs Go Dating in 2019 and again in 2025, where she met her current partner Paolo. She won Celebs on the Farm in 2021, tackled Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins the same year, and appeared on Fame in the Family, Celeb Cooking School, and The Big Celebrity Detox in 2022 and 2023.
Kerry Katona treats every show like a new challenge, and viewers love her no-filter attitude. She regularly guests on Loose Women too, offering straight-talking opinions. Her reality TV success proves Kerry connects with audiences because she stays real. In 2026 she even hints at returning to Celebs Go Dating with Paolo, showing she still enjoys the spotlight on her terms.
Kerry Katona’s Personal Life, Three Marriages, and Beautiful Family of Five
Kerry Katona puts her children first in every decision, and she proudly parents five kids from her three marriages. She married Westlife singer Brian McFadden in 2002 after a whirlwind romance, and they welcomed daughters Molly in 2001 and Lilly-Sue soon after. The couple divorced in 2004, but Kerry and Brian co-parent successfully today. Kerry then dated taxi driver Mark Croft starting in 2005, married him on Valentine’s Day 2007, and had daughter Heidi and son Max. They split in 2011 after a turbulent period.
In 2014 Kerry wed rugby league player George Kay in a romantic Gloucestershire ceremony, and they had daughter Dylan-Jorge (DJ). The marriage ended in 2017 after Kerry announced their separation following an alleged assault at their home; George was arrested but later cleared. Tragically George died in July 2019 from an overdose, leaving Kerry to raise DJ alone. Kerry has spoken openly about the pain of those relationships, including discovering Brian’s infidelity and Tyson Fury the hostage incident she and Mark faced in 2007 when armed men broke into their home.
Today Kerry’s children range in age from 11 to 24: Molly (24), Lilly-Sue (23), Heidi (18), Max (17), and Dylan-Jorge (11). The older girls sometimes join her on social media or tours, and the whole family bonds closely. Kerry often posts about school runs, holidays, and proud mum moments. She teaches her kids resilience by sharing her own mistakes openly. As a result, Kerry created the stable home she always wanted, and her blended family grows stronger every year.
Kerry Katona’s Financial Battles, Two Bankruptcies, and How She Bounced Back Stronger
Kerry Katona faced huge money problems despite earning big in her Atomic Kitten days and later TV work. The courts declared her bankrupt in August 2008 after she could not pay £82,000 of a £417,000 tax bill, and she filed again in July 2013 at Wigan County Court. Kerry once earned £400,000 a year but watched it disappear because of poor management, legal fees, and lifestyle costs. Those bankruptcies hit hard, but Kerry refused to stay down.
She turned things around dramatically by joining OnlyFans around 2020 during the pandemic. Kerry earned over £1 million in the first few years through honest, direct content, and she now estimates her net worth at around £1.6 million ($2 million) in 2026. She bought a gorgeous six-bedroom home in Prestbury, Cheshire, and lives comfortably. Kerry openly explains in podcasts that OnlyFans saved her from a possible third bankruptcy and gave her financial freedom. Paolo even helps her create content and fully supports the platform, saying it existed before he arrived and she built something amazing.
Kerry Katona shares her money lessons so others avoid the same traps, and she now runs businesses wisely while keeping her columnist and ambassador roles. Her comeback story proves hard work and smart risks pay off. In 2026 Kerry enjoys stability she once only dreamed about, and she credits transparency with fans for much of her success.
Kerry Katona’s Mental Health Journey, Bipolar Diagnosis, and Powerful Advocacy
Kerry Katona received a bipolar disorder diagnosis in 2005, the same condition her mother has, and it finally gave her answers after years of unexplained mood swings. Isack Hadjar She entered rehab multiple times starting in 2004 for cocaine and alcohol issues, and she detailed those struggles in her autobiographies. In 2007 Kerry spent time at the Priory Hospital during a crisis, and tabloid photos in 2009 cost her big advertising deals with Iceland and Asda. Kerry also lives with dyslexia and ADHD, which she manages daily.
In 2024 Kerry underwent major reconstructive nasal surgery using rib cartilage to fix damage from past cocaine use, and she shared the emotional recovery process publicly. Kerry attends therapy regularly and encourages others to seek help without shame. She serves as a patron for The Shannon Bradshaw Trust, a charity that supports children with life-threatening illnesses in Warrington. Kerry often posts about hypnotherapy sessions and mental health check-ins on social media, showing fans that healing is ongoing.
Furthermore, Kerry uses her platform to fight stigma around addiction and bipolar disorder. She admits past mistakes like the 2011 This Morning appearance where she appeared slurred, but she bounced back stronger each time. Kerry Katona turns personal pain into advocacy that helps thousands feel seen and supported. Her openness in 2026 continues to inspire real conversations about mental wellness.
Kerry Katona’s OnlyFans Success, CBD Work, and Career Revival in 2026
Kerry Katona launched her OnlyFans account during tough financial times and quickly turned it into a millionaire-making business. She earns steadily by connecting directly with fans who appreciate her authentic approach, and she jokes she will keep the account even into her eighties. Paolo helps with photos and fully backs her decision, which strengthens their trust. Kerry now combines OnlyFans income with her Supreme CBD ambassador role, where she promotes wellness products with her personal discount code.
She also writes regular columns for New! magazine and posts family content across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Kerry recently teased a duet with friend Katie Price after their joint tour success, showing her music spark still burns. In 2026 Kerry balances work and home life perfectly, proving she can reinvent herself at any age. Her career revival motivates other women to take control of their finances and brands without apology.
Kerry Katona’s Blended Family Life and Motherhood in 2026
Kerry Katona raises five children while welcoming Paolo’s two young daughters Milani (4) and Nola (2) into the fold every weekend. The kids bond beautifully, and Kerry decorated bedrooms for Paolo’s girls during her own recovery from surgery. She and Paolo discuss fairness openly so no child feels left out, and they keep routines consistent across both households. Kerry often shares funny family holiday clips to Turkey or Christmas decorating sessions that show pure joy.
Motherhood drives every choice Kerry makes, and she prioritises being present despite busy schedules. The older children help with the younger ones, creating a supportive team Latest Coronation shows that blended families thrive with communication and love, and fans love watching the genuine connections grow in real time.
Kerry Katona’s Romance with Paolo Margaglione and Exciting 2026 Plans
Katona met Paolo Margaglione on Celebs Go Dating in April 2025, and ten months later they remain blissfully in love. Experts paired them, and their off-camera kiss after the second date sparked real chemistry. Kerry says, “We will 100 per cent get married,” while Paolo adds he wants the perfect moment because they build something special. They keep a joint bank account and split expenses equally so Kerry feels like a true partner.
Paolo runs successful family businesses in recycled bags and cleaning products, and he never needs anything from Kerry except love and respect. They both attend therapy—Kerry for mental health and Paolo for CBT—and they communicate openly about everything. Kerry recently stayed in hospital for colitis and joked under morphine about proposing, but Paolo insists he will do the asking. They plan to relocate to a hot, sunny place like Dubai with all seven children, and Kerry gushes, “This is forever and ever for me.”
In February 2026 the couple faced reports of a Dubai Valentine’s trip drama where Paolo allegedly intervened in an argument between Katie Price’s husband Lee Andrews and Katie, resulting in Lee punching Paolo. Kerry cut the trip short and later unfollowed Lee on Instagram, though she stays on good terms with Katie. Both Kerry and Paolo appeared unbothered, enjoying a romantic London night out and posting happy photos. Kerry still calls Paolo “amazing” and confirms their future includes possible more children if health allows. Their story proves that after past heartbreaks Kerry finally found equal, supportive love.
What’s Next for Kerry Katona and Why Her Story Matters
Kerry Katona enters 2026 happier and more settled than ever, with wedding plans, possible Dubai dreams, and a thriving blended family. She continues columns, CBD work, OnlyFans, and reality TV while raising confident kids. Kerry teases more music collaborations and family adventures, showing no signs of slowing down. Her journey from foster care to pop star to resilient mum proves anyone can rewrite their story with honesty and hard work.
Kerry Katona inspires because she never pretends life is perfect. She shares the lows and celebrates the highs, helping fans feel connected. Whether you remember her from Atomic Kitten or discovered her through reality TV, Kerry’s authenticity wins every time. Stay tuned for more updates because this icon still has plenty of chapters ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kerry Katona in 2026
1. Who is Kerry Katona and why is she still so popular in 2026?
Kerry Katona first became famous as an original member of Atomic Kitten in 1998, but she left at the height of their success in 2001 after discovering her pregnancy. She then dominated reality TV by winning I’m a Celebrity in 2004 and later shows like Celebs on the Farm in 2021. In 2026 Kerry stays relevant through her honest New! magazine column, Supreme CBD ambassadorship, active OnlyFans account that made her a millionaire again, and her genuine social media posts about family life. Fans love her because she openly discusses mental health, past bankruptcies, and current happiness with boyfriend Paolo. Kerry connects across generations by showing real growth, which keeps her a beloved British personality year after year.
2. How many children does Kerry Katona have and who are the fathers?
Kerry Katona has five children whom she raises with incredible dedication. She shares daughters Molly (24) and Lilly-Sue (23) with first husband Brian McFadden Kobbie Mainoo from their 2002-2004 marriage. Her second marriage to Mark Croft from 2007 to 2011 produced daughter Heidi (18) and son Max (17). Kerry welcomed youngest daughter Dylan-Jorge, known as DJ and now 11, with third husband George Kay during their 2014-2017 marriage. Kerry co-parents peacefully with her exes where possible and focuses on giving every child stability. In 2026 she also blends her family beautifully with Paolo’s two young daughters, creating a loving household of seven kids total.
3. What exactly happened when Kerry Katona left Atomic Kitten and did she return?
Kerry Katona left Atomic Kitten right before their massive hit “Whole Again” dropped in 2001 because she was pregnant and facing band tensions. The group replaced her with Jenny Frost, and the song became an international number one. Kerry reunited with Liz McClarnon and Natasha Hamilton in 2013 for The Big Reunion and toured until 2017, when she departed after an on-stage incident in Australia. Kerry still loves the band’s music and occasionally shares throwback moments, proving her pop roots remain important even as she focuses on solo projects and family today.
4. Why did Kerry Katona go bankrupt twice and how did OnlyFans change everything?
Kerry Katona faced her first bankruptcy in 2008 after struggling to pay a huge tax bill and her second in 2013 amid ongoing financial pressures from legal costs and lifestyle. She once earned £400,000 yearly but watched savings disappear quickly. Kerry joined OnlyFans around 2020 and earned over £1 million in the early years through authentic content, which helped her buy a beautiful Cheshire home and reach an estimated £1.6 million net worth in 2026. She now maintains the account proudly with Paolo’s support, proving smart business moves and fan connection can rebuild anyone’s finances after rock bottom.
5. Who is Kerry Katona dating in 2026 and what are their wedding plans?
Kerry Katona has been happily dating businessman Paolo Margaglione since they met on Celebs Go Dating in April 2025. Ten months later they live together in Cheshire, share a joint bank account, and openly discuss marriage. Kerry says they will 100 per cent The Brassic Cast get married but want the right moment, while Paolo plans to propose properly. They blend their families smoothly and talk about moving to Dubai or another sunny location soon. Their relationship stands out because both partners completed therapy, communicate openly, and support each other’s careers fully.
6. Does Kerry Katona still struggle with bipolar disorder and how does she manage it now?
Kerry Katona received her bipolar diagnosis in 2005 and continues managing it successfully with therapy, medication when needed, and lifestyle changes. She openly shares hypnotherapy sessions and mental health check-ins on social media to reduce stigma. Kerry also overcame cocaine and alcohol addiction through multiple rehab stays and now focuses on wellness as a Supreme CBD ambassador. In 2024 she had successful nasal surgery to repair past damage. Kerry’s honest approach helps fans understand that mental health is an ongoing journey, and she feels stronger than ever in 2026 thanks to professional help and a supportive partner.
7. What reality TV shows has Kerry Katona done recently and will she return to more?
Kerry Katona starred in Celebs Go Dating in 2025 where she met Paolo, and she hints at returning with him soon. She won Celebs on the Farm in 2021, appeared on Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, Fame in the Family, and Celeb Cooking School around the same time, plus The Big Celebrity Detox in 2023. Kerry also co-hosted a podcast and guests regularly on Loose Women. In 2026 she stays open to new opportunities while prioritising family, and fans hope to see her on screens again because her real personality always delivers great entertainment.
8. Is Kerry Katona really moving to Dubai and what are her future family plans?
Kerry Katona and Paolo discuss relocating to Dubai or another hot, sunny country with all their children to enjoy a different lifestyle. They already tested the idea during a Valentine’s trip and plan the move once logistics work out. Kerry also stays open to having more children with Paolo if health allows, though they focus first on keeping everyone happy and healthy. The couple wants their blended family of seven kids to grow up with sun, adventure, and strong bonds. Kerry shares these dreams openly because she believes positive change starts with honest conversations.
9. How much is Kerry Katona worth in 2026 and what businesses does she run?
Kerry Katona’s net worth sits around £1.6 million ($2 million) in 2026 mainly thanks to her successful OnlyFans career that helped her recover from bankruptcy. She also earns steadily as a New! magazine columnist, Supreme CBD ambassador with her own discount code, and through social media sponsorships. Kerry runs her personal brand across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube while occasionally collaborating on music or TV. She lives comfortably in a six-bedroom Cheshire home and focuses on smart investments so her children enjoy security she once lacked.
10. How did the recent Dubai drama with Katie Price’s husband affect Kerry Katona’s friendship and plans?
During a Valentine’s 2026 trip to Dubai, reports emerged that Paolo stepped in when Katie Price’s husband Lee Andrews argued aggressively with Katie, leading to Lee allegedly punching Paolo. Kerry was not present but cut the trip short after just 14 hours. She later unfollowed Lee on Instagram while staying on good terms with Katie. Katie publicly denied any punch-up and invited Kerry and Paolo to her UK wedding. Kerry and Paolo brushed off the incident, enjoyed a romantic London night out, and continue focusing on their own happy future. The drama shows Kerry’s strength in protecting her peace while maintaining long friendships.
To Get More Lifestyle Insights Click On
Isack Hadjar: Red Bull’s Rising Star Set to Challenge Verstappen in 2026
Thomas Skinner: From Apprentice Star to Strictly Sensation and Business Trailblazer
Kobbie Mainoo: Manchester United’s Rising Midfield Star Shines Bright in 2026
Belle Hassan Dad From London Streets to Hollywood Stardom and Devoted Fatherhood
To Get More Info: North England News