
Hey, loves, guess who’s back on the dating scene with a bang? Kerry Katona, the 44-year-old former Atomic Kitten star, is making waves with her return to E4’s Celebs Go Dating for its 14th series, set to drop later this year. And she’s not holding back on why she’s here—think paychecks, a spotlight boost, and some much-needed therapy!
Kerry, who first charmed us on the show back in 2019, is joining a star-studded lineup including The Chase’s brainiac Mark ‘The Beast’ Labbett, 59, S Club 7’s Jon Lee, 43, and Love Island’s Olivia Hawkins, 30. Add in Too Hot To Handle’s Louis Russell, 24, Celebrity Big Brother’s Donna Preston, 39, and Made In Chelsea’s Sam Prince, 28, and you’ve got a recipe for some serious dating drama.
Spilling the tea to Daily Mail, Kerry got real about her motives. She’s not just here for romance—she’s craving the chance to date without the side-eye from the public. ‘I don’t go out, I don’t date, but this show lets me do that guilt-free,’ she hinted with a wink.
Why does Kerry feel the need for expert dating advice from the likes of Paul Carrick Brunson, Anna Williamson, and Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn? Well, darling, let’s just say her love life has been a rollercoaster. With three marriages, three divorces, and the tragic loss of her third husband, George Kay, to an overdose in 2019, she’s been through the wringer.
Reflecting on her past, Kerry shared a vulnerable side, admitting, ‘All three of my marriages and divorces are why I need this help.’ Her first marriage to Westlife’s Brian McFadden (2002-2004) gave her two daughters, Molly, 23, and Lilly-Sue, 21. Then came taxi driver Mark Croft (2007-2011), with whom she shares Heidi, 17, and Max, 16. Her youngest, Dylan-Jorge, 10, is from her marriage to George Kay.
‘I’m here for the experience of dating again, to feel what it’s like to step out and not be judged—and yes, the paycheck and therapy are a sweet bonus!’ — Kerry Katona
Kerry’s not the only one with a story to tell. Mark Labbett, known for outsmarting contestants on The Chase, is also dipping his toes back into the dating pool. After splitting from TV presenter Hayley Palmer, 43, in May last year—right after their one-year anniversary—and a previous separation from his wife Katie in 2020, Mark’s ready for a fresh start.
He cheekily confessed to Daily Mail, ‘There’s been so much buzz about my love life, I figured I might as well get paid for it!’ And with recent photos showing Kerry cozying up with online fitness coach Paolo Margaglione, 33, on Celebs Go Dating, it seems like both stars might just find their happy endings. Could Paolo, 11 years her junior, be the one to sweep Kerry off her feet?
A source spilled to The Sun that age is just a number for these two. ‘Kerry looks incredible, and Paolo thinks he’s hit the jackpot with her energy and vibe,’ they dished. We’re rooting for you, girl!
Now, let’s talk about Kerry’s other headline-making venture—her OnlyFans career. Since joining the spicy subscription platform in 2020, she’s turned heads and built a multimillionaire status. And no, she’s not letting it mess with her dating game on Celebs Go Dating. ‘It’s just digital content, like what I did for lads’ mags back in the day,’ she sassily told Daily Mail.
Comparing her work to steamy scenes in shows like Bridgerton, Kerry clapped back at the double standards. ‘They get awards for getting frisky on screen, but I’m judged for doing the same on OnlyFans? I’ve been at this for five years, and it’s made me a fortune—discreetly.’ Though she admits her five kids have faced flak for it, Kerry stands firm, noting it funds their dream lifestyle.
‘I feel guilty when my kids get stick, but I was famous before OnlyFans, and it’s just one of many gigs I do for them,’ she explained. From private schools to luxe vacays, she’s doing it all for her family—and we’re here for that boss energy!
Beyond dating and digital empires, Kerry and Mark also weighed in on the evolving world of TV. With ITV announcing cuts—Loose Women and Lorraine scaling back to 30 weeks a year starting January, plus Lorraine’s runtime dropping to 30 minutes—there’s a shake-up in the industry. Over 220 jobs are also on the chopping block for daytime staff at shows like Good Morning Britain and This Morning.
Mark, however, remains optimistic about The Chase’s family-friendly appeal. ‘We’re lucky to be a show families watch together—before, during, or after tea. ITV knows that’s our strength,’ he noted proudly. Kerry, on the other hand, pointed out a bigger trend: streaming is king now.
‘Everyone’s on Netflix or YouTube—mainstream TV isn’t what it used to be,’ she mused. As an 80s and 90s kid, she misses the days of four channels and family viewing, but admits getting her tech-savvy kids to watch TV together is a mission impossible these days.
On a personal note, Kerry’s been turning heads with a stunning two-stone weight loss, though she’s candid about the ups and downs. ‘I’m naturally a size six to eight, but I gain weight when I’m unhappy or post-baby—people forget I’ve had five kids,’ she shared with Daily Mail. Heartbreak, including her split from fiancé Ryan Mahoney last November after six years, played a role too.
But for Kerry, it’s all about mindset. ‘I could weigh 20 stone, but if I’m happy in my head, that’s what counts. Everything else falls into place,’ she declared fiercely. And with a playful jab at heartbreak’s silver lining—‘Get dumped, lose weight, trip over your confidence—it’s brilliant!’—she’s owning her glow-up.
Teasing her Celebs Go Dating journey alongside Mark, Kerry hinted at positive vibes. With Mark echoing that the show worked wonders for him, we’re dying to see how their stories unfold on E4 and Channel 4 streaming. Stick with us for more updates on this flirty, fabulous ride!