Atomic Kitten’s Future: Natasha Hamilton Rules Out Reunion with Kerry Katona
The prospect of a full-blown Atomic Kitten reunion, featuring all original members, appears to be firmly off the table, at least according to Natasha Hamilton. The 43-year-old singer has publicly stated that she has no interest in working with former bandmate Kerry Katona again, despite acknowledging Katona’s resilience and dedication as a mother.
Atomic Kitten, a pop phenomenon that dominated the UK charts in the early 2000s, has a complex history involving member changes and shifting relationships. Hamilton joined the group in 1999, stepping in after Heidi Range departed. She found her place alongside Kerry Katona, 45, and Liz McClarnon, 44. This initial lineup quickly achieved success, with singles like “Right Now” and “See Ya” both breaking into the UK top 10.
The group was on the cusp of releasing their debut album and the now-iconic single “Whole Again” when Katona exited the band due to pregnancy. While Katona did participate in a reunion with Hamilton and McClarnon in 2013 for the ITV show The Big Reunion, it seems the camaraderie of those earlier days hasn’t endured, particularly from Hamilton’s perspective.
Hamilton recently shared her sentiments with The Mirror, stating, “I wish Kerry all the best. That girl has been out there. She’s a hustler. She looks after those kids so well. Fair play to the girl.” However, she was unequivocal when discussing professional collaboration: “There’s no big thing, but when it comes to work, that isn’t going to happen.”
This isn’t the first time Hamilton has poured cold water on the idea of a reunion that includes Katona. Last year, she spoke to the Daily Mail, suggesting a more open-ended approach to reunions in general, but with a clear distinction regarding Katona. “I mean, never say never with a reunion, because nostalgia always hits people at different times, and I’ve spent a lot of time with Jenny [Frost] this summer,” she commented.
Jenny Frost joined Atomic Kitten after Katona’s departure, stepping in to re-record the “Whole Again” music video and re-release other tracks from the debut album, ensuring the group’s continued chart success. The band released three albums before going on hiatus in 2004, officially disbanding four years later.
A Look Back at Past Reunions and Member Changes
The original trio, Hamilton, Katona, and McClarnon, did indeed reunite in 2012 for The Big Reunion television series. This comeback sparked a subsequent tour and talk of new music, though these plans ultimately never materialised. While the 2013 reunion was a significant event for fans, Hamilton is not keen on replicating that specific lineup.
Hamilton expressed her hopes for future collaborations with McClarnon, noting, “Obviously, Liz has just had a baby so right now is not the right time, but I always say never say never. We’re so close, the three of us, and I’m hopeful that maybe in the future at some point we would be able to come together and do that.” This indicates a desire for a reunion with McClarnon, potentially a new iteration of the group, but without Katona.
Kerry Katona herself has also addressed the dynamics within the band and her departure. Speaking on Paul C. Brunson’s podcast We Need To Talk, she recounted the early days of Atomic Kitten. “Heidi leaves, she wanted to go solo, and then they went and got Natasha Hamilton without my knowledge,” Katona revealed. She described her initial impressions of Hamilton: “When we met, I thought, ‘can’t stand her.’ You know, she was a very strong character, like, telling me what routines to do. And I said, ‘Don’t like it. Don’t think she’s a fit.'” The management, however, encouraged Katona to give Hamilton a chance, acknowledging her strong vocal talent.
Despite their initial friction, Katona admitted they were once “super super super close.” However, their friendship reportedly soured over the years due to reported clashes.
Katona also elaborated on her decision to leave the group just before “Whole Again” hit number one. “I left just before Whole Again went to number one—it’s my single, my song, my vocals, and then Jenny (Frost) came in to finish off the promotion because I came pregnant with Molly,” she explained. She added that at the time, she realised her priorities had shifted: “And I actually realised I didn’t want to be rich and famous; I just wanted to be a mum.”
While both Kerry Katona and Natasha Hamilton have publicly stated mutual respect over the years, it appears that achieving a full “whole again” moment for Atomic Kitten, encompassing all its past members, is not on the cards for the foreseeable future. The focus for Hamilton seems to be on potential future projects with Liz McClarnon, leaving the door firmly closed on a reunion with Kerry Katona.
