Kerry Katona admits she kept getting married because she was ‘desperate to have a father figure’ as she details traumatic upbringing that saw her go into hiding to avoid her mum’s abusive boyfriend

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In a straightforward conversation, Kerry Katona openly discussed her challenging childhood and the impact it had on her relationships, particularly her repeated marriages, which she feels were driven by a deep-seated desire for a stable father figure in her life.

In an interview with Paul C. Brunson on his podcast “We Need To Talk,” the Atomic Kitten member shared that she was brought up unaware of her true father’s identity. It wasn’t until after his passing that she learned who her biological dad actually was.

In other words, she disclosed that her mother had multiple brief romantic engagements with men whom she was made to think were her father. Among these relationships, one man was violent and abusive, resulting in them having to enter the protective witness program.

Kerry openly shared about enduring difficult circumstances during her childhood, stating that no child ought to experience such situations. She recounted her journey of having multiple foster families and staying at a shelter, all while her mother grappled with mental health problems and substance abuse.

As a lifestyle expert, I’d rephrase it as: “You know, Paul, my upbringing was what I considered normal back then. I hadn’t known any better. It wasn’t until much later that I understood why I sought out certain men, why I yearned for a father figure – that’s the perspective I’ve come to recognize.

As a devoted admirer might express, “Time and again, I found myself tying the knot, yearning for a fatherly figure in my life. But it wasn’t until much later that I realized, I am my own source of strength and sufficiency.

Kerry is now in a relationship with personal trainer Paolo Magaglione, who is 33 years old. It’s said that she recently brought him to live with her, only two months after meeting him on the show “Celebs Go Dating.

Previously, she had been in an almost seven-year long engagement with her partner, Ryan Mahoney. However, their relationship ended at the close of the previous year.

She was reportedly planning to have a child with Ryan before they split.  

Kerry is the proud mother of Molly, aged 22, and Lilly, aged 20, both of whom she had with her former husband Brian McFadden during their marriage from 2002-2006.

Apart from Heidi, age 17, and Max, age 15, she is a mother to two others: one being an eight-year-old child with her former husband Mark Croft, and another child she had with the late George Kay.

In another part of our conversation, Kerry openly shared about her tumultuous childhood, where she mentioned that her mother frequently got involved with unstable romantic partnerships.

She shared that there was constant conflict at home,” or “She described growing up in an environment where there were frequent disputes.” Furthermore, to emphasize the severity of the situation, she added: “The actions I saw my mother perform were so harsh that I’m still uncomfortable discussing them because they were incredibly cruel. Truly, some of the things I observed as a child were truly heartless.

She recalled one ex of her mother’s who she instantly felt uneasy around. 

Kerry conveyed: “I was required to feign affection, to address him as ‘dad.’ In an instant, I felt an overwhelming fear of Dave, a deep-seated terror towards him.

Additionally, I recall seeing him stumble into my bedroom for the first time, quite inebriated. Our initial encounter resulted in him tripping and falling flat on his face. Amidst the situation, I felt compelled to laugh it off, as I sensed something unique about him – an innate sense of who he would turn out to be.

One time, when I was around 7 or 8 years old (perhaps 8), I remember taking care of stale ketchup sandwiches as my mom was ill for three straight days. During that period, I even ventured out for groceries on my own.

However, there was a particular instance when I found myself lying in bed. My mother had gone out, only to return later and take a seat beside me. She then announced, “Dave proposed to me.

I said, “Mum, don’t do it… He’ll hurt you. He truly intends to harm you.” She replied, “Kerry, for sixteen years, he hasn’t harmed me once.”

I exclaimed, “Mom, don’t listen to him… He’ll hurt you. He really means to cause you harm.” She countered, “Kerry, for the past 16 years, he’s never hurt me.

‘The next night, she came home, black and blue, and she had the side of a shotgun to her head.’

Kerry ultimately sought refuge in the witness protection program along with her mother, trying to escape from the abuse.

She clarified that we needed to disappear from public view at that time. That’s when things became more complicated, and I recall the instance vividly because of Dave’s unique circumstances. It felt akin to the witness protection program, with social services or an unspecified entity arriving to safeguard us.

Due to the need for safety, we hid away, my mother changed her hair color, and eventually, we found ourselves seeking shelter in Manchester as refugees.

‘At one point, I couldn’t go to school in case Dave kidnapped me, so I had to get home schooled.’

In the later stages of her life, it was revealed by her foster parent that Dave was actually her biological father.

Looking back at my upbringing, I can’t help but think: ‘Some of the experiences I faced as a kid are unimaginably harsh. There are moments so harsh, they shouldn’t have been part of any childhood, not even mine.’

Part one of Kerry Katona on We Need To Talk is out now. Part two will be released on September 9. 

If you have been affected by this article, contact Samaritans on 116 123 

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2025-09-02 10:49