SHE describes herself as the ‘Marmite’ of the showbiz world – you either love her or hate her.

But Kerry Katona has no qualms about being the villain as she has recently demonstrated during panto season.

The Padgate popstar transformed into the evil queen in Sleeping Beauty at Middleton Arena last year and threw herself into the role so much that some young children were scared.

Now the 38-year-old is returning as one of the wicked step-sisters alongside Heartbeat’s Tricia Penrose in Cinderella at Northwich Memorial Court from December 9 to 31.

Weekend caught up with Kerry during the press launch for the panto.

She said: “This is the first day I’ve met everybody. I’ve worked with Tricia before. We did Stars In Their Eyes together years ago so it’s good to see her again.”

 

Kerry will only meet the cast – which also includes X Factor’s Lloyd Daniels as Prince Charming – again around 10 days before the production when rehearsals will begin in earnest.

The former Atomic Kitten, whose four-year-old daughter DJ (Dylan-Jorge) Rose joined her for the shoot, added: “I did the villain last year and to be honest it’s a lot more draining.

“You have to put much more into it as you’ve got to change your voice and everything you do is more exaggerated.

“But on the plus side you don’t have to worry about looking good.You just turn up looking a mess for work. It’s the perfect job.”

Last year some of the tabloids ran stories about Kerry’s ‘terrifying’ performance as the evil queen which she felt were exaggerated.

Kerry said: “Whenever you do a panto villain a few of the children always cry especially the really small ones.

“But DJ comes and she never cries. She was a little upset I was playing the baddy because the year before that I was the fairy godmother and she loved that.”

Kerry is a mum-of-five and her kids will be joining her for the production.

“They’ll come to work with me every day,” she added.

“I have no childcare so at Christmas it’s quite tough and full on. During the panto run I’ll be moving back up north in rented accommodation, but they just take it in their stride and they love being at the theatre and being around all the costumes and the dancers.

“They enjoy it and I’m really pleased about that because it opens their eyes to the whole of the make believe. DJ was two when I started doing panto so it’s great she’s used to it.”

Although Kerry moved to East Sussex 10 years ago, her association with the town runs deep.

The first time she was in the Warrington Guardian was when she won a ‘charming child’ competition, aged three.

And she said she was honoured to be featured among the new artworks depicting famous Warringtonians at Padgate Station.

Kerry said: “I haven’t seen it yet. My friend told me about it and sent me the story. I’m really honoured.

“It’s nice so I’m going to go and have a look at. I’m proud to come from Warrington.”

After many ups and downs in her life, Kerry will also be marking 10 years of being clean from drugs next year.

She said: “I was never an addict. I just really liked taking drugs and it overtook my life and it became a ‘friend’ in a way – it was almost my companion that was filling a void.”

Kerry, who has bipolar disorder, is also outspoken about mental health.

She added: “We live in a society that is very judgemental and I think people should reach out and not feel they’re alone.

“I’ve been off medication for a year now and exercise has been a massive factor for me. When you exercise you release endorphins. It’s a natural high, it’s a natural drug.”

Is that state of mind sometimes difficult to maintain though when faced with social media negativity and tabloid sneers?

“I’m pushing for 40 so I’m not exactly in a playground anymore,” Kerry said.

“Other people’s opinions don’t define me as a person. Everyone is entitled to an opinion. I’m like Marmite – you either love me or hate me. You can’t please everybody.”

  • Anton Benson Productions’ Cinderella is at Northwich Memorial Court from December 9 to 31. Visit ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/cheshire/northwich-memorial-court/cinderella