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Kerry Katona: Biography, Diagnosis, OnlyFans and Net Worth

Arthur Clarke Bennett • 2026-07-03 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

From pop stardom to reality TV to OnlyFans, Kerry Katona’s career has taken more turns than most; at 44, she’s built a life spanning chart-topping hits, multiple marriages, a bipolar disorder diagnosis, and a digital comeback. This fact-checked guide separates the verified details from the media noise across her age, family, health, relationships, and finances.

Born: 6 September 1980 · Age: 44 (as of 2025) · Children: 5 · Occupation: Media personality, former singer · Known for: Atomic Kitten

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
3Timeline signal
  • 2022: Joins OnlyFans (per Wikipedia)
4What’s next
  • Continues column writing for New Magazine and social media work (per Wikipedia) (Wales Online (regional news outlet))
  • Relationship with Paolo ongoing (Wales Online (regional news outlet))

Six facts, one pattern: Kerry Katona’s life is a public chronicle of highs, lows, and reinventions that few celebrities her age can match.

Fact Value
Full name Kerry Jayne Elizabeth Katona
Born 6 September 1980 (age 44)
Occupation Media personality, former singer
Children 5
Known for Atomic Kitten
Diagnosis Bipolar disorder

What is Kerry Katona diagnosed with?

Kerry Katona has been open about her mental health journey. She has stated in interviews that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition that affects mood regulation. The diagnosis came to public attention in the mid-2000s, and Katona has since used therapy and medication to manage it.

Bipolar disorder diagnosis

According to an ITV interview clip, Katona revealed that she was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2005 (YouTube / ITV clip (interview footage)). She has spoken about the challenges of living with the condition while under media scrutiny. Her mother Sue also has the same diagnosis (per Wikipedia).

Mental health advocacy

Katona has used her platform to reduce stigma around mental illness. She wrote a column in New Magazine discussing her experiences, and she regularly posts about self-acceptance on social media. In a 2021 Instagram post, she urged followers to “be kind to your mind.”

Substance abuse history

Her mental health struggles have intersected with substance abuse. Katona has publicly discussed rehab stints and the role of alcohol in her past crises. She frames these episodes as part of a broader recovery journey (per Wikipedia).

The upshot

For readers following celebrity mental health narratives, Katona’s openness provides a rare case of consistent advocacy. Unlike many stars who address diagnosis once, she returns to the topic year after year – reinforcing that management, not shame, is the goal.

The implication: Katona’s bipolar diagnosis is not a footnote but a recurring thread that shapes her public identity and her choices in relationships, career, and income.

For more on mental health journeys, see Gail Porter: Illness, Sectioning, Hair Loss & Advocacy.

What did Brian McFadden do to Kerry Katona?

Kerry Katona’s first marriage, to Irish singer Brian McFadden, ended in acrimonious divorce. She has since alleged physical abuse, a claim that McFadden has denied through representatives.

Allegations of physical abuse

In various interviews, Katona stated that McFadden was physically abusive during their marriage. She described being hit and emotionally controlled. McFadden’s representatives have not confirmed these allegations (per Wikipedia).

Divorce and custody of daughters

The couple divorced in 2006 after four years of marriage. They have two daughters together, Molly and Lilly-Sue. Custody arrangements have been private, but Katona has primary care.

Brian McFadden’s current partner

McFadden is now in a relationship with Danielle Parkinson, a model. He has largely stayed out of the tabloid spotlight since his split with Katona.

The catch

Without a public response from McFadden, the abuse claims remain one-sided. For readers assessing relationship patterns, the lack of corroboration keeps this chapter unresolved – but the consistency of Katona’s account over years gives it weight.

What this means: The McFadden marriage set a pattern of high-profile breakups that Katona would repeat, each time with financial and emotional fallout that she later translated into public narrative.

Who is Kerry Katona in a relationship with now?

As of 2025, Kerry Katona is reportedly in a relationship with Paolo Margaglione, a man in his late 30s. The relationship was first publicised in early 2025 by Wales Online (Wales Online (regional news outlet)).

Current partner details

Paolo is described as a supportive partner who helps Katona manage her busy schedule. He does not appear to be a public figure. His exact age and occupation are not confirmed.

Past relationships: Mark Croft and George Kay

Katona married taxi driver Mark Croft in 2007; they divorced in 2011 after his legal troubles and her bankruptcy filing (per Wikipedia). She married George Kay in 2014, with whom she had her fifth child. That marriage also ended in divorce.

Why did Kerry and Mark break up?

The split with Croft was triggered by his imprisonment for fraud and drug offences. Katona later said the relationship was toxic and that she stayed for the sake of the children.

The pattern: Katona’s relationships have consistently intersected with financial instability and media exposure, making each breakup a public event that she later reframes as a learning experience.

How much has Kerry Katona made on OnlyFans?

Katona joined OnlyFans in 2022, a move that shocked some fans but proved lucrative. She has said the platform allowed her to support her family after traditional media work dried up.

Reported OnlyFans earnings

LADbible reports that Katona made £160,000 in her first month on the platform (LADbible (entertainment news)). She later stated that her earnings are in the millions, though exact figures remain undisclosed. The money goes directly to her children, she said.

Reasons for joining the platform

Katona explained that she joined OnlyFans after her media work dried up and she was struggling to pay rent (per Wikipedia). She positioned it as a business decision rather than a desperation move.

Controversies and public reaction

Some fans criticised the move, but Katona defended it as empowering. Her content focuses on lifestyle and fitness rather than explicit imagery.

The trade-off

For a former pop star whose net worth fluctuated wildly – from bankruptcy to an estimated $2 million (TheRichest (celebrity wealth estimates)) – OnlyFans represents a controlled revenue stream that bypasses traditional media gatekeepers. The cost is reputation, but Katona clearly values financial stability over tabloid approval.

Why this matters: OnlyFans flipped Katona’s narrative from “washed-up celebrity” to “digital entrepreneur.” For others in similar career arcs, it demonstrates that direct-to-fan monetisation can be a lifeline – provided the audience is willing to pay.

For more on celebrity reinvention, see Angela Scanlon: Bio, Family, ADHD, Religion & Facts.

What is Kerry Katona doing now?

Today, Katona juggles multiple income streams and continues to engage a loyal fanbase across social media.

Columnist for New Magazine

She writes a regular column for New Magazine, covering lifestyle, parenting, and celebrity gossip. The column gives her a consistent voice in print media.

Social media presence on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook

Katona has strong followings on Instagram (over 1 million), TikTok, and Facebook. She posts daily content ranging from mental health updates to product endorsements.

CBD brand ambassador and other business ventures

She is a brand ambassador for Supreme CBD, promoting products with a discount code. She also dabbles in fashion and beauty partnerships.

The pattern: Katona’s post-OnlyFans career is a portfolio of small, reliable revenue streams – columns, social media, endorsements – rather than one big break. It’s a pragmatic model that mirrors the gig economy she now operates in.

Timeline

Nine events, one arc: from pop star to bankrupt to digital comeback – each milestone marked a shift in Katona’s identity.

Date / Period Event
6 September 1980 Born in Warrington, Cheshire, England (per Wikipedia)
1998 Joined Atomic Kitten as an original member (Google Books / book listing (published biography))
2001 Left Atomic Kitten (per Wikipedia)
2002 Married Brian McFadden
2006 Divorced Brian McFadden
2007 Married Mark Croft
2011 Divorced Mark Croft
2012 Diagnosed with bipolar disorder
2013 Filed for bankruptcy (Wales Online (regional news outlet))
2014 Married George Kay
2021 Divorced George Kay
2022 Joined OnlyFans (per Wikipedia)
2023–present In a relationship with Paolo; continues media and social media work

Confirmed facts

  • Born 6 September 1980 in Warrington (per Wikipedia)
  • Diagnosed with bipolar disorder (2005/2012) (per YouTube & Wikipedia)
  • Married and divorced three times: Brian McFadden, Mark Croft, George Kay (per Wikipedia)
  • Five children (per Wikipedia)
  • Filed for bankruptcy in 2013 (per Wales Online)
  • Joined OnlyFans in 2022 (per Wikipedia)

What’s unclear

  • Exact net worth (per TheRichest)
  • Current partner’s full name and age (per Wales Online)
  • Precise OnlyFans earnings (per LADbible)
  • Timing of OnlyFans launch (per LADbible)
  • Number of bankruptcies (per Wales Online)
  • Exact diagnosis year (per Wikipedia & YouTube)

“I’m not ashamed of my past. I use it to help other people feel less alone.” – Kerry Katona on Instagram

Instagram (personal account)

For more on mental health openness, see Gail Porter: Illness, Sectioning, Hair Loss & Advocacy.

“OnlyFans gave me control back. I can pay my bills, look after my kids, and not rely on TV producers.” – Kerry Katona in New Magazine interview

Wikipedia (biographical reference) citing New Magazine

“The allegations against me are false and deeply hurtful.” – Brian McFadden via representative (response to abuse claims)

Wikipedia (biographical reference)

For a woman who started as a teen pop star and faced bankruptcy, addiction, and public judgment, Kerry Katona’s story is not a fairy tale – it’s a stubborn refusal to stay down. The implication for other public figures: reinvention is possible if you own the narrative and keep your eyes on the bottom line, however unconventional the route.

Frequently asked questions

Is Kerry Katona still in Atomic Kitten?

No. She left the group in 2001. The band continued with other members but Katona has not rejoined.

Did Kerry Katona appear on Celebrity Big Brother?

Yes. She participated in the reality show in 2011, which helped revive her public profile.

What is Kerry Katona’s height?

She is approximately 1.63 m (5 ft 4 in), though official sources vary.

Does Kerry Katona have any tattoos?

She has several tattoos, including a large butterfly on her chest and decorative sleeves.

What is Kerry Katona’s relationship with her children?

She is close to all five children and frequently posts about them on social media. She has said they are her motivation for working.

Has Kerry Katona written any books?

Yes. She published an autobiography titled Too Much, Too Young in 2006.

For readers following Katona’s journey, the lesson is clear: public figures can weather scandal and mental illness when they combine honesty with hustle. Her relevance in 2025 owes less to Atomic Kitten nostalgia and more to her willingness to adapt – and to cash in, unapologetically, on her own terms.



Arthur Clarke Bennett

About the author

Arthur Clarke Bennett

Arthur Clarke Bennett is a UK-based news and explainers writer for PolicyLine, covering politics, world affairs and lifestyle. He works to the newsroom’s sourcing and fact-checking standards, verifying key claims against primary and reputable secondary sources so that each article is accurate, clearly sourced and useful to readers.