**Kerry Katona Supports Giving Her Children a Leg-Up in Showbusiness**
Kerry Katona, the well-known media personality and former Atomic Kitten singer, has come out in defence of nepotism, stating that she is eager to use her own career experience to provide opportunities for her children in the entertainment industry. This comes as celebrities and their families increasingly make headlines for working together on high-profile projects, with Katona expressing particular admiration for Beyoncé, who was recently seen sharing the stage with her daughters, Blue Ivy and Rumi, during live performances.
Reflecting on her own family’s experiences in her latest magazine column, Katona said she found inspiration in watching Beyoncé invite her daughters on stage. She noted that she has also given her children chances to participate in her own professional endeavours, drawing parallels between her family and the larger trend of familial collaborations within showbusiness.
Katona explained, “It was amazing to see Beyoncé bring her two daughters on stage at her gigs.” She recounted her own family’s involvement: “Lilly and I did panto together and Celebrity Ghost Trip, DJ has got on stage with me to dance, Max does stage rigging with me and Molly is doing a degree in acting.” For Katona, the entertainment sector has increasingly become a family affair, reinforcing the supportive role she sees for herself as a parent.
Addressing the debate around nepotism, Katona suggested that while family connections can open doors, ultimate success depends on individual talent and tenacity. She commented, “People talk about nepotism. But everyone’s got a contact for somebody. I can open that door but whether you go through is solely down to you.” This viewpoint raises important questions about equality of opportunity in the entertainment industry, while also highlighting the role of mentorship and family support in achieving success.
Katona, 44, is mother to Molly Marie, 23, and Lilly-Sue, 22, from her first marriage to Brian McFadden. She also has Heidi, 18, and Max, 16, with former partner Mark Croft, and a younger daughter, DJ, 10, with the late George Kay. Katona described her pride in her children’s accomplishments, recently sharing that Heidi had just completed her first solo shoot, following an appearance on the UK reality show “Celebs Go Dating.” “She’s hilarious and has that star quality,” Katona wrote. “I’ll be her momager. I’ve been around 30 years so I know how the industry works. I feel like Kris Jenner!”
Long-time followers of Katona will know that her own rise to fame in the late 1990s introduced her children to the world of celebrity from a young age. In her column, she candidly acknowledged the unique challenges her children have faced growing up alongside her career. “It’s so difficult to bring up children in the spotlight because it’s like they’re being catapulted into a different world,” Katona explained. She recognised that the attention can be overwhelming, adding, “They aren’t famous themselves but have been brought up in a world of fame, and people look at them differently for that.”
Katona also revealed that, while her children have benefitted from certain opportunities because of her profile, this exposure has not always been easy. “I know my children have found it hard and they definitely have some issues that have arisen from it,” she admitted. This honest appraisal shines a light on the complexity of balancing a public career with family life, especially when children are involved.
As the topic of nepotism continues to be debated both inside the entertainment industry and beyond, Katona’s perspective adds nuance to the conversation. She advocates for allowing parents to support their children’s ambitions, while acknowledging that talent and hard work remain crucial.
Katona’s remarks will likely resonate with others in the public eye grappling with how to navigate the intersections of fame, family and opportunity. Whether or not one agrees with her position on nepotism, her comments remind us that behind celebrity news stories, real families contend with decisions and dilemmas that affect their children’s futures.