She has had an image overhaul since her split from fiancé Ryan Mahoney last November, but it seems that Kerry Katona is also having a spiritual makeover.
The 44-year-old recently took a holiday to Thailand, sharing photos and videos of herself doing yoga and taking part in a moonlight sound bath on the beach during her trip – and she has continued to meditate since coming home.
And insiders tell Closer that Kerry is hoping to introduce some of her newfound positivity and relaxation techniques to BFF Katie Price, who has been enduring her own struggles recently.
Our source says, ‘Kerry has told pals that Katie could do with taking a leaf out of her book. She thinks she has so much healing to do and when she is there she can learn to love herself again.
'Kerry genuinely believes she can heal Katie.’
In a social media post to fans, Kerry explained how she’d discovered a new way of life since her trip to south-east Asia, writing, ‘Being in Thailand has completely changed my life… I feel like I’ve found the path I should be on, my calling, and I can’t wait for you all to continue watching this journey.’
And insiders say Kerry – mum to Molly, 23, Lilly, 21 Heidi, 17, Max, 16, and DJ, 10 – is even considering moving to Thailand when the time is right.
A source tells Closer, ‘After Kerry’s recent spiritual retreat in Thailand, she has plans to buy a place out there and is setting the groundwork to go into business with friends on a wellness retreat and spa.
‘She’s on a whole new life pathway, she’s in the search of enlightenment. She plans to spend another three weeks out there over Easter. Kerry is very serious about moving out there and splitting her time; half at home in the UK and half there.
‘She says the kids are the only thing keeping her here and she’s going to move when Max and DJ are a bit older.’
Kerry found fame with Atomic Kitten in 1999 aged 19. She’d first taken cocaine at 14 and became addicted to the class A drug for a number of years, losing deals with Iceland and Asda after photos of her allegedly taking the substance appeared in newspapers. She also sparked concern after a 2009 appearance on This Morning in which she appeared to slur her words – she denied being on recreational drugs and insisted it was due to her prescription medication. Later this year, Kerry will mark 15 years of being clean.
Opening up on her addiction, she candidly admitted last year, ‘I think cocaine became my crutch, it was my best friend, it gave the support I needed, when I needed it.’
Kerry has also had a turbulent love life, marrying Brian McFadden in 2002 before divorcing him two years later after it was alleged he had cheated on her on his stag do. She then went on to marry cabbie Mark Croft in 2007, but they divorced in 2011. Her third marriage to former rugby player George Kay lasted just 13 months, separating after he allegedly assaulted her. He sadly died from an overdose in 2019.
Kerry has been spending more time with Katie, 46, and after starring in panto together, they will do a UK tour later this year.
Katie has also had ups and downs of late, facing a series of personal and financial challenges. She split from her eighth fiancé Carl Woods in 2023 and has since moved on with Married At First Sight’s JJ Slater. She was declared bankrupt last year and arrested at an airport in August for failing to attend court.
Former glamour model Katie has also been under scrutiny for her appearance having undergone six facelifts and 17 boob jobs, as well as booking in more surgery for this year.
But our source says Kerry is hoping to influence Katie to leave her past behind and embark on this spiritual journey with her. ‘She wants Katie to come with her on her next trip. She says Katie needs to leave the toxic baggage and anger behind and join her on this spiritual journey, she needs it for her own mental health and wellbeing. She feels she can’t go on the way she does.’
Kerry split from her fitness trainer fiancé Ryan, 36, in November after six years together, citing a ‘breach of trust’. While she admitted she was ‘struggling’ in the aftermath of the split, she seems to be back on top form now.
And the insider adds she has now sworn off men and is on a sex sabbatical, saying, ‘She says a man detox is good for the soul and she’s not been this positive in years. Men have always been the downfall of her and Katie. They both say the best thing they have to show for their bad choices in men is their kids.’