Kerry Katona reignites feud with Natasha Hamilton after singer quits Atomic Kitten
KERRY Katona has reignited her feud with Natasha Hamilton.
It comes after Natasha, 42 revealed yesterday morning that after 26 years she was quitting Atomic Kitten.
Kerry Katona and Natasha Hamilton – who were joined in the band with Liz McClarnon – have famously had a very on/off friendship over the years.
Things turned sour between them when Kez left Atomic Kitten – famed for their song Whole Again – in 2004.
She rejoined in 2017, before things turned sour once more.
Now it looks like Kerry has reignited their feud again, by appearing to make fun at Natasha leaving the band.
Addressing fans on Instagram, Kerry said: “I heard Atomic Kitten are down a girl.
“I might audition. Do you think they might let me back in?
“Even with just one member left, I still don’t think they will let me back in.”
Continuing to poke fun further, and referencing the group’s most famous song, she said: “The main thing is, I’m whole again.”
It comes after Natasha announced yesterday morning that she was leaving Atomic Kitten to focus on her solo career.
Taking to Instagram, she wrote: “26 incredible years, writing so many wonderful chapters, but now the time has come for me to close the book on this one.”
Flame-haired Natasha joined the Liverpool group’s line-up when she replaced Heidi Range, who went on to become a Sugababe.
She was involved in the group’s hit-churning heyday before becoming a mum to her four children.
Natasha has son Josh with nightclub owner and original Love Island champ Fran Cosgrave, Harry with dancer Gavin Hatcher, Alfie with businessman Riad Erraji, and daughter Ella with Five’s Ritchie Neville.
The singer only has fond memories of her time as a Kitten.
The ride hasn’t always been smooth but I wouldn’t change a single thing.
Natasha Hamilton
She told fans: “I’ve lived the most incredible life, travelling the world many times over, bringing so much joy to your lives, performing songs that catapulted us into the stratosphere at such a young age.
“The ride hasn’t always been smooth but I wouldn’t change a single thing.
“I’ve laughed and cried many a time with the girls, experienced so many surreal moments and been blessed with a career spanning 26 years – it’s been incredible and something I will always cherish.”
Natasha will perform her final gig in the band tomorrow.
Since the beginning of the year, Natasha has tried to launch a solo career, but has struggled balancing it with her girl band duties.
However, now she no longer has those commitments, she is focused on developing her own record label and promoting her music.
Singling out bandmate Liz McClarnon in her farewell message, she wrote: “I wish you all the luck and love world with your work ventures and all the amazing things that are still to come in your life for you – it’s been one hell of a ride!”
Fans and friends were quick to send their well-wishes.
Bandmate Liz commented: “Love you.”
Ian ‘H’ Watkins said: “Huge love!”
Jessica Taylor from Liberty X posted: “Massive love to you babe!
“Hopefully see you out there soon for a proper catch up!”
Their biggest hits include Whole Again, Eternal Flame and The Tide Is High (Get the Feeling). Debut album, Right Now, was released in 2000 and reached number one in the UK charts.
The following year Kerry left the group after falling pregnant with her first child and was replaced by Jenny Frost.
The girls released two more albums and a greatest hits compilation before disbanding in 2004.
They have reunited periodically for tours and special projects since, with Natasha and Liz being the two ever-presents since 2013.
The band’s catchy pop tunes and girl-next-door image gave them a dedicated fanbase.
In more recent years, their hit Whole Again was embraced by a surprising new group of fans after it was adapted by England supporters during Gareth Southgate‘s tenure as manager.