Kerry Katona, the beloved former Atomic Kitten star, is basking in the glow of new love, and her close friend Lewis Nicholls has officially declared it “the real deal.” The 45-year-old TV personality found romance with Paolo Margaglione on the hit E4 show Celebs Go Dating, following her split from long-term partner Ryan Mahoney last November. Fans who tuned into the show watched their chemistry unfold, and now, Kerry’s inner circle and supporters alike are celebrating the couple’s undeniable connection.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Lewis Nicholls shared a beaming selfie alongside Paolo, showering praise on the couple. “The tour has been full of highlights so far, but one has been meeting Paolo, Kerry’s partner who she met on Celebs Go Dating,” Lewis wrote. He recounted their backstage antics, including “lots of laughs” and impromptu ping pong games using their hands, adding a playful laughing emoji. “Kerry and Paolo are the real deal, that’s for sure, and it’s been nice to see Kerry smiling and being happy,” he gushed. Paolo himself chimed in, commenting, “What a guy, it’s been a pleasure mate,” cementing the warm bond forming between Kerry’s partner and her friends.
Fans have been quick to echo Lewis’s sentiments, flooding the post with support for the new couple. One fan remarked, “Always thought they should be a couple after watching Celebs Go Dating,” while another wrote, “Happy you two got together. Was 100% rooting for you!!! You have the kindest gentle eyes.” The outpouring of love reflects the joy fans feel seeing Kerry, a mum-of-five, find happiness after her six-year relationship with Ryan Mahoney came to an end.
In her recent column for New! Magazine, Kerry opened up about her Celebs Go Dating experience, expressing gratitude for the support from her fans. “As you can see from the show, I met someone really amazing during filming, and I honestly couldn’t be happier,” she shared. “I feel so lucky and like I completely won.” She also praised the show’s experts and her fellow participants, noting, “We all went on such a journey during the show, and the experts did an amazing job.”
Kerry’s journey to love hasn’t been without its challenges. The singer shares daughters Molly and Lilly with her first husband, Brian McFadden, children Heidi and Max with her second husband, Mark Croft, and her youngest, DJ, with her late husband, George Kay. Meanwhile, Paolo brings his own family into the mix as a devoted dad to two daughters from a previous relationship. Kerry’s past relationship with Ryan Mahoney, a personal trainer she met on Bumble, saw him step into a father-figure role for her daughter DJ, but her new chapter with Paolo marks a fresh start.
With her friend’s glowing endorsement and fans rallying behind her, Kerry Katona’s romance with Paolo Margaglione is no longer just a spark from a reality show—it’s a love story that’s capturing hearts and proving to be the real deal.