Kerry Katona says she probably wouldn’t still be with us if it wasn’t for her children after opening up about the darkest time in her life.
She was speaking after police were urged to reopen their investigation into Caroline Flack’s arrest case before the TV star’s death. The watchdog has recommended the force’s Directorate of Professional Standards interview an officer who was at Caroline’s 2019 arrest, shortly before she killed herself. Candid Kerry has been open about her mental health struggles in the past and revealed that she contemplated taking her own life after she was declared bankrupt in 2008.
Viewers were left heartbroken when the former Atomic Kitten member described the impact the financial woes had on her and urged anyone in a similar position to seek help. Discussing her experience, Kerry, mum to Molly, 21, Lilly-Sue, 20, Heidi, 16, Max, 15, said: “I wanted to hide away. I felt a mug, I felt stupid, I was embarrassed, I was ashamed. You feel worthless.”
Former I’m A Celebrity star Kerry, who has since turned her money issues around, said on Steph’s Packed Lunch back in 2021: “It was absolutely awful to the point I wanted to take my own life. I understand when people get in debt why so many actually take their own lives over money. I’ve been there. I was so close to doing it myself.”
Writing in her most recent OK! Magazine column, the mum-of-four reacted to the Mirror’s exclusive story about Christine Flack, who has been in the dark about why daughter Caroline was charged with assaulting her boyfriend against the advice of prosecutors, with Christine’s tireless campaigning for the truth now taking a step forward.
She wrote: “It was reported this week that the Independent Office of Police Conduct has urged the Met to reopen its investigation of Caroline Flack’s arrest case before her death. I absolutely think they should reopen it. Her mum, Christine, has been campaigning and deserves to know the truth and maybe get some justice for Caroline. I just think it’s horrible what happened to her.
“Caroline called me up once for advice after being targeted by the group Fathers4Justice after the alleged assault on boyfriend Lewis Burton. The group also once came after me about my late ex-husband George because I didn’t let him see our daughter. I’m never one to deny a father from seeing his child, but this was a safety issue. With everything that’s been said about me, I probably wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for my kids. The world can be so cruel – I hope Caroline’s mum gets some closure.”
Caroline took her own life aged 40 on February 15, 2020, just months after her arrest in December 2019. Police had arrived at her North London flat after Lewis dialled 999, claiming his girlfriend had been “trying to kill him” while he was asleep and that he had suffered a cracked head. Officers found Caroline had self-harmed, and she was taken to hospital for a psychiatric assessment but deemed fit for interview.
If you’re struggling and need to talk, the Samaritans operate a free helpline open 24/7 on 116 123. Alternatively, you can email jo@samaritans.org or visit their site to find your local branch.
