Kerry Katona, a founding member of the iconic girl group Atomic Kitten, recently voiced her frustrations regarding her replacement, Jenny Frost. This reaction comes more than 20 years after Katona left the band.
Kerry’s Critique of Atomic Kitten’s Replacement
In a recent appearance on BBC Two’s docuseries, *Girlbands Forever*, Katona addressed her mixed feelings about Frost joining the group after her departure. Katona entered the spotlight with Atomic Kitten in 1998 but departed in 2001 following her pregnancy announcement with Westlife’s Brian McFadden.
Jenny Frost Steps Up
Frost, who had previously performed with the girl group Precious, took Katona’s place in Atomic Kitten. The group continued to see significant success after the lineup change. A crucial turning point came with their single “Whole Again,” which became a chart-topping hit. This success was pivotal for Frost, alongside original members Natasha Hamilton and Liz McClarnon.
Insights from the Documentary
The *Girlbands Forever* series delves into the challenges faced by girl groups from the 1990s to the 2010s. In the second episode, Andrew McCluskey, the creator of Atomic Kitten, discusses the precarious position the band found themselves in post-Katona. He reveals that the group was on the verge of being dropped by their record label.
- Formative Years: Kerry Katona was a founding member of Atomic Kitten in 1998.
- Departure: She left the band in 2001 due to her pregnancy.
- Replacement: Jenny Frost joined at a critical time for the group.
- Key Success: Their hit “Whole Again” revitalized the band’s career.
Katona’s Mixed Emotions
Katona expressed that her feelings toward Frost are nuanced. She said, “I wish her the best of luck,” but also stated, “She was handed it [the fame].” This remark underscored her belief that Frost didn’t earn her success in the band.
Frost’s Perspective
In response, Jenny Frost acknowledged that joining Atomic Kitten was a risky move but emphasized that it ultimately paid off. “I never felt bad for Kerry because she’d made a decision,” Frost reflected, highlighting her understanding of Katona’s situation. She added that the circumstances worked in her favor, praising the opportunity she seized.
The docuseries features interviews with various girl group members, including those from Little Mix, Mis-Teeq, Sugababes, and All Saints. All three episodes of *Girlbands Forever* are currently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer.
