After she was spotted getting close to Pete Wicks, pals have warned Kerry to steer clear of the TOWIE lothario
Insiders claimed she had her eyes set on a romance with reality star Pete Wicks after the pair both signed up to the latest series of Celebs Go Dating and last week, Kerry Katona set tongues wagging when she was spotting cosying up to the TOWIE hunk as they filmed scenes together.
But pals have warned Kerry – who battles bipolar and admitted in recent months that she’d been struggling with her mental health - that she could be stepping into a potential love triangle after Pete’s ex Megan McKenna, 26, who he split from on fiery terms last year, revealed she was also set to join the dating show.
A source reveals,“Kerry has already admitted in recent months that she’s been emotionally struggling and friends have insisted the last thing she needs is any extra drama. Megan and Pete had a notoriously fiery romance and pals have told her to steer clear.
"But Kerry has insisted she doesn’t mind standing her ground and won't let Megan scare her away from Pete. She wants to find love and also been a star on the show so she won’t shy away from confrontation if it presents itself.”
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Kerry has endured three failed marriages in the spotlight, most recentlysplitting with third husband George Kay last summer. The 38-year old – whose first husband was former Westlife star Brian McFadden – ended her brief romance with personal trainer Ryan Mahoney in October, with sources claiming they had little in common.
But insiders say pals are nervous about her pursuing Pete, 30 – who was branded a cheat and womaniser after he was caught messaging other women behind ex Megan McKenna and 25-year old Shelby Tribble’s backs.
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The source adds, “Pete is very charming but Kerry's inner circle are wary of his reputation with women. She's had enough of bad boys and they think the last thing she needs is to get emotionally attached to someone who could cheat and break her heart.
"But Kerry loves the idea of dating a celeb again. She hasn't been linked to anyone famous since Brian. She thinks Pete is not only gorgeous but also so funny and she loves flirting with him. He makes her feel really good about herself.
"Plus, he could be a source of financial support for her and her family. She's joked to pals that they could be the next hot celeb couple, and she wants to make them bigger than her pal Katie Price and Peter Andre were."