Kerry Katona ‘can never appear’ on I’m A Celebrity… South Africa again 22 years after winning

Kerry Katona was reportedly snubbed from being asked to appear on the latest season of I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!

Earlier this month the latest season of the ITV reality series returned to screens – this time seeing celebrities who previously took part returning to compete in South Africa.

Those currently in the running to be crowned Legend of the Jungle include Gemma Collins, Scarlett Moffatt, Sinitta, Adam Thomas and Sir Mo Farah.

However, one past star of the show whose been noticeably absent in All Star versions in recent years has been former Atomic Kitten member Kerry.

In 2004 she won her season of the show – which also saw Peter Andre and Katie Price take part.

Although Kerry’s win drew in an estimated 14 million viewers – a stark contrast to last year’s season which only pulled half that figure – she’s not been invited back for either of the two All Stars series’, despite her desire to take part again.

It’s now been reported that her highly publicised private life – which has included drug admissions, bankruptcies and divorces – could be affecting her casting chances.

‘Everyone at I’m a Celeb loves Kerry and they’ll always back her as one of the most popular winners of the show,’ a source explained to The Sun.

‘But times have changed and bosses have such a fine line to tread when it comes to keeping the audience happy. Kerry will tell you herself she’s like marmite, you either love her or you hate her!

‘There are also big hoops to jump through when it comes to who can cope in such an environment.’

They went on to share: ‘She was actually considered for the current All Stars series but not everyone was on board. Sadly, it looks like – despite her being synonymous with the show – she’ll never get a chance to do it again.’

The source said Kerry ‘had a big mouth and won’t be filtered’, a trait that was ‘something everyone loves her for’.

However, they said bosses ‘can’t take the risk of not knowing what she’ll say after the show is filmed, especially as the series is shot so far in advance’.

Kerry – who went on to appear on other reality shows including Celebrity Big Brother, Dancing on Ice and Celebs on the Farm – recently revealed she’d spoken to producers about returning to I’m A Celebrity…but they never replied.

‘I keep getting turned down for some reason,’ she also told The Sun.

‘I think it’d be amazing. I’ve been to the interviews for both series.

‘And they said, “Definitely, Kerry. You were the first queen and had the highest ratings”, but then they never came back. I’d do it in a heartbeat, not even to win it. Just for me.’

The last time Kerry appeared in a reality show was for her own ITV2 series The Next Chapter, which wrapped up in 2011.

She also last performed with Atomic Kitten in 2017. Although she reunited with Liz McClarnon and Natasha Hamilton in 2013, she left the group again after getting drunk and hitting Natasha following a performance in Australia.

Last month her former bandmate shut down speculation they could ever work together again.

Speaking to The Mirror, Natasha shared: ‘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.

‘There’s no big thing, but when it comes to work, that isn’t going to happen.’

Last year she also told The Daily Mail: ‘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.’

Jenny joined the band after Kerry’s exit. They released three albums, going on hiatus in 2004 before their official split four years later.

Metro has contacted ITV and representatives for Kerry Katona for comment.

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.

MORE: David Haye’s girlfriend flattered by ‘ugly bird’ remark and slams I’m A Celeb women

MORE: David Haye’s famous ex speaks out after ‘throuple’ claim and I’m A Celebrity backlash

MORE: I’m A Celebrity fans brand David Haye a ‘bully’ after Adam Thomas clash