Katona admits drink problem

Kerry Katona has admitted for the first time she is an alcoholic, it was reported today.

The former Atomic Kitten singer previously denied a drinking problem after viewers watched an erratic TV chatshow appearance which she blamed on medication.

But the 28-year-old told The People: “Four years ago I was diagnosed as an alcoholic after a stay in The Priory clinic.

“This is not common knowledge as I’ve never admitted it before. But this is a battle I will face for the rest of my life. I can get through days without a drink but it’s hard.

“I never promise myself or my family that I can beat this addiction but I’ll try bloody hard.”

The mother-of-four has faced a string of public problems in her personal and professional life since her pop star days and spent time in The Priory clinic in London four years ago.

But Katona, who was diagnosed with bi-polar disorder, and her husband Mark Croft, stressed that alcohol was not to blame for her slurring her words on ITV’s This Morning last month.

The couple, who live in Cheshire, said her behaviour was down to taking medication late the night before her interview with Phillip Schofield and Fern Britton, in which they asked her if she had a drink problem.

In the aftermath of the chat show appearance Katona parted company with her long-time publicist Max Clifford after he expressed concerns about the reality TV star.

Mr Clifford said today he hoped Katona would get the support and treatment she needed to help her recover from alcoholism.

He said: “I have known that Kerry had this problem for a long time and the fact that she has now come out and admitted it is a step in the right direction. She has tried to hide it for some time now.

“I’m really pleased that she has done this. Hopefully she will get the help, support and the treatment that she needs so she can pull herself back from the brink of disaster.

“I hope that Mark gives her the help, care and support that she so desperately needs.”

Mr Clifford said that although he has not been in contact with Katona he still has great affection for her.

“Everyone knows that I think the world of her and I hope that she manages to get control back in her life,” he said. “Now that she has admitted it hopefully people will be more understanding.”