Kerry Katona, pictured last year, has supported her friend Katie Price(Image: Getty)
Kerry Katona's impressive loyalty glistened in a candid interview about pal Katie Price — in which she praised the reality star's strength and determination.
Kerry, 45, was lauded online for the support she has offered Katie, her best friend, in an astonishing new interview. The former member of Atomic Kitten said: "Kate is not fragile. She’s the strongest woman I know. She’s also more sober, more together, than anyone gives her credit for. And she will get her empire back. I am in awe of her."
Her clear verdict of Katie's character comes despite the former model's health battle, for which fans have expressed concern. Katie had said last week her life became "sad and lonely" following mental health challenges some time ago. She has had several cosmetic surgeries in recent years, including one just this month on her lips and this has divided opinion.
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But mum-of-five Kerry says her and Katie's "lives are very mirrored" as she offered her support to the star today. Kerry added: "People said, 'Don’t touch Kate. Don’t go near her.' What is wrong with them? I’ve been where Kate has been. I’ve done the drugs, divorces, bankruptcy. Our lives are very mirrored. Why would I not support her? No one supported me."
Kerry says Katie Price is stronger than people assume(Image: Getty Images)
The TV personality, from Cheshire, is friends with Jordan(Image: JOHN FERGUSON)
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Kerry's fans praised her loyality following the interview. One posted online: "Tough cookie- well done Kerry you’re looking fab too." Another said: "I admire your loyalty, Kerry. You are strong like Katie too."
Kerry, who grew up in Warrington, Cheshire, recently took part in a documentary about girl bands, and how being propelled to fame at early ages — in her case just 18 with Atomic Kitten — can be unhealthy. She said she found it difficult to watch the programme when it aired, as it brought back unhappy memories.
Kerry left Atomic Kitten two days before the release of Whole Again in January 2001, a song which became the band's first UK number one single. Since then, the TV star has faced further challenges, including two bankruptcies and several boob jobs.
And it is through these hard times, she and Katie haved remained close and crutches of support. They may both have five children but Kerry believes their parenting styles are different. The former glamour model, who endorsed Donald Trump during his electoral campaign last year, told the Daily Mail today: "Well, she’s really laidback about everything — including parenting. I’m more strict. And I’m more fiery. I’m more likely to headbutt someone."
Kerry's eldest three children, though, are now adults. At the time of interview with the Daily Mail, she said Heidi was at Katie's house — filming with Katie’s daughter Princess for a new reality TV show. Her other daughter, Lily, meanwhile, is an accountant.
