Kerry Katona said she is “all or nothing” as she shared an insight into her view on relationships. The 45-year-old star met her new partner Paolo Margaglione on E4 show Celebs Go Dating. She has since reflected on her past romances with exes Brian McFadden, Mark Croft, the late George Kay and former fiance Ryan Mahoney.
Speaking to the Suddenly Single podcast, the former Atomic Kitten star said: “If you go through my exes, you can count them on my hands. I’m a long-term girl. I don’t sleep around. I’m all or nothing.
“People go, ‘oh here we go, another one!’ I was with Brian for seven years. I was with Mark for four. I was with George for five and a half, and my ex-partner Ryan for six and a half.
“I don’t want to be on my own. My children are grown up. I’m a really loving and affectionate person. I’ve got so much love to give. I want to give someone kisses and cuddles. I love being in love. What’s wrong with that?”
Kerry has Molly, 23, and Lilly-Sue, 22, with first husband Brian McFadden, Heidi, 18, and Max, 17, with Mark Croft, and daughter DJ, 11, from her marriage to George.
She has acknowledged the “big age gap” with her new man, but she will “never forget” how he makes her feel, regardless of what the future holds.
She said: “The guy I’m with now [Paolo], there’s 11 years between us. It’s a big age gap, and it’s not something I’ve deliberately gone for. If someone matches that energy and you have that connection, where every atom in your body goes on fire… I’ve never had that. It’s like being sucker punched in the stomach. I’ve got it now!
“I hope it works, but even if it doesn’t, I’ll never forget this feeling. You see me falling in love [on Celebs Go Dating]. Even if this ends tomorrow, I don’t think I’ll have a feeling like this every again.
“I get really emotional because it scares me. He gets me flowers all the time. I got back from Marbella and there was this big spread of beautiful roses saying ‘welcome home beautiful’. I don’t need big diamonds, it’s the thought that means more.”
The 45-year-old split from her ex-fiancé Ryan Mahoney after six years last November and has been open about her journey to finding love again. Viewers were pleased to see Kerry find happiness with Paolo on the reality show, and their bond has only gone from strength to strength since.
As the programme came to an end, the mum-of-five shared an adorable photo with her boyfriend as she said “it’s only the beginning” of their relationship. In a post on social media, she said: “And that’s a wrap last ep tonight on @e4grams @celebsgodating … But it’s only the beginning.”
Fans rushed to send their support. One said: “Absolutely loved seeing your journey and how you have grown”, while a second added: “Your chemistry is magical, it’s like it’s just you two in the room when you’re together.”