‘It was like getting free therapy'

’ Kerry Katona tells new how despite being hellish, her latest stint on reality TV has changed her outlook on life for the better

- ANGELA WINTLE

She’s been married three times, nearly died from cocaine abuse, lost an ex-husband to drugs and been declared bankrupt in her roller-coaster life – but nothing could prepare Kerry Katona for her latest adventure.

Our columnist took on the challenge of Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins. Kerry, 41, was one of 12 stars put through their paces by an elite training squad.

The other famous faces taking part included Ulrika Jonsson, Jake Quickenden, Vicky Pattison, James Cracknell and Alexandra Burke. And Kerry was pushed so hard it triggered past trauma and grief from the death of her third husband, George Kay, who died of a drugs overdose in 2019.

Here, Kerry, who is now engaged to personal trainer Ryan Mahoney, 33, and is mum to Molly, 20, Lilly, 18, Heidi, 14, Max, 13, and Dylan-Jorge, seven, reveals how the hit Channel 4 show altered her perspective…

Congratulations, Kerry! What an achievement to take part in such a hardcore series. How was it?

It was the best and worst show I’ve done all at the same time. Physically and mentally, it was really difficult. And the parts in Scotland were freezing cold. You can’t imagine how hard it was. But it was also like getting free therapy and, trust me, I have had a lot of therapy in my life – I’ve kept my therapists in business for years! When the show ended I walked away so much lighter.

What did it bring up for you?