Kerry's pain as real dad she longed to meet dies
New heartache for star..and joy over secret sister and 4 brothers
TROUBLED Kerry Katona is grief-stricken after discovering her long lost real father has died.
The heartbroken star traced 62-year-old Ron Armstrong last year through a private detective- and had been planning to get in touch with the dad she saw only once as a baby.
But we can reveal shattered Kerry has now been told he succumbed to cancer only a few months after she found out who he was.
"She is very shocked and raw over the news-she longed to have a father figure in her life," said a close pal.
But her sadness will be tinged with joy as the News of the World shows her Ron's other children-a sister and four brothers-who NEVER KNEW she was their half-sister until now.
And they are willing to welcome wild child Kerry, 28-who has yearned for the security of a family around her since childhood-into their fold if DNA TESTS prove Ron was her father.
"It makes no difference that Kerry is a celebrity to us," says her half-sister Lynsey, 34-the SPITTING IMAGE of the star, as our exclusive picture shows.
"If she is our sister then she is our sister-and she will be welcome here into the family if it is true she is Dad's daughter.
"I'd like to meet her soon-but at the moment we are all in shock over this. It is a bit upsetting that Dad kept it to himself for 28 years."
Youngest half-brother Paul, 25, said the whole family were stunned. "I just feel sorry for Kerry, she is the victim here too. It is sad that she never got to know Ron-he was a brilliant dad."
Consoled
Not even Joyce, Ron's wife of 34 years, knew Ron had had an affair with Kerry's mum Sue 29 years ago.
"I am in total shock," Joyce, 55, told us. "But I can understand why he never told us. Ron would have done everything he could to protect his family. But I would have forgiven him.
"If this is true and I can accept it, so will the children. We are a loving family."
A friend of grieving Kerry-whose new MTV show starts next month-last night said the star was consoled by the discovery of her half siblings-Lynsey, Wayne, 40, and Jason, 39, 27-year-old Ian and Paul.
"She is considering whether to contact them. There is a ready-made family there who had no idea they were related to her," said the pal.
"But Kerry has only just discovered Ron has died. She is fragile at the best of times and needs to get her head round this.
"She's always known her dad's name because her mum Sue told her who he was. But there had been no contact between Sue and Ron for more than 20 years and she didn't know where he lived-so Kerry needed to hire the detective to track him down."
The private eye traced him to a small end of terrace house in Skelmersdale, Lancs, just 30 minutes drive from Kerry's plush home in Wilmslow, Cheshire.
"She wanted to get in touch with Ron after finding out where he was-but she waited because she was scared and she knew she could be opening a can of worms if his wife didn't know," said our source. "Now it is all too late."
Ron was a married man and already had three children when he had an affair with 48-year-old Sue, then 19 and working in a canteen on a building site in Warrington.
Outgoing Sue made it clear that she fancied the good-looking, slender labourer who was 13 years older than her.
He had divorced his first wife with whom he had sons Wayne and Jason and was married to Joyce. Our source said: "At first he and Sue were just friends. She even met Joyce and they would go shopping together.
"But Sue was a stunning woman in her day and she and Ron ended up in a sexual relationship for about six months.
"When she told him she was pregnant he was shocked and scared. He told Sue he would never leave his wife.
"Sue wasn't with any other men over that period-she was besotted with Ron.
"But in the end they agreed he wouldn't have anything to do with the child-that she would bring the baby up as a single mum and his family would never know what he had done."
Kerry's father only saw her ONCE in his life-when she was just a baby of two months old.
Our source said: "The meeting took place in the Farmer's Arms pub in Fearnhead. Ron was there with his brother and best friend. He gave Sue some money. But Sue never asked him for a penny and never once tried to cause any problems for him.
"However that obviously wasn't ideal for Kerry, being without her dad."
Sue spoke once about Kerry's father in an interview with the News of the World. She said: "Kerry's dad was a married man who had other children and we'd had an affair.
"He came to see her when she was about eight weeks old and put some silver for luck in her little hand.
"I was living at my mum's, I was only 20. As he left that day he said, 'I love you Sue'.
"I told him, 'Don't say that to me when you are going back to your wife. But you can come and see your daughter whenever you like'.
"I have not heard from him at all since that day. I respect him for that because he didn't delve in and out of her life and confuse her." So the youngster who would rise to fame in the girl group Atomic Kitten was left to grow up with substitute fathers drifting in and out of her life.
One was Sue's on-off boyfriend of 20 years, Dave Wheat, who was often in prison and once stabbed Sue in front of her terrified daughter.
The other was Arnold Ferrier who was briefly married to Sue and, like Ron, died of cancer. He passed away in Texas last year aged 78.
Shock
Arnold was the one Kerry was closest to. She said of him: "He was the last bit of family I had.
"He wasn't my real dad but he was the only one that was really proud of me and never sold a story. It was a shock, so unexpected and it all happened so quickly.
"He went to hospital and was told that he had lung cancer and only had until the end of the year to live.
"But a few days later, I was told he only had two weeks to live. The day before I flew out to see him, he passed away. It was so upsetting."And our source revealed Arnold was one of the reasons Kerry was worried about contacting Ron: "When Arnold died the last thing she wanted to do was get in touch with her real dad then, she felt it was disrespectful."
Now she has a new family who have promised to take her in as their own-once they know for certain that she is their flesh and blood.
Former beautician Lynsey told us: "I want to make sure, without a shadow of a doubt that this is the truth.
"My dad is not here to confirm it for us and we will obviously-like any family would do in our situation-be asking for a DNA test.
"Once we know my dad is her dad then I will tell her everything she ever wanted to know about him."
If looks are anything to go by, any test will prove positive. And Lynsey-who has an 11-year-old daughter of her own-is said to have a similar personality to Kerry-bubbly, outgoing and strong-willed.
Where they differ is that she rarely drinks. And she wouldn't approve of former cocaine addict Kerry's old lifestyle.
Lynsey has been asked to set up a drug awareness club for kids in the local area because of her previous work with a youth club. But Lynsey's love life, like Kerry's, has not run smoothly. She is divorced. MTV star Kerry's own husband Mark Croft stormed out of their home a month ago after she accused him of blowing her millions and leaving her bankrupt. They patched things up but then she had such a bust-up with him that a psychiatric nurse had to be called to her home to calm her down.
Our source said it was no wonder the TV star has been searching her past for some answers. "Kerry hasn't had a normal, stable family upbringing and since having her own kids she realised she wanted to find the truth about her roots so she could let her children know where they truly came from."
The I'm A Celebrity winner has four children-Molly, seven, and Lilly, six, with her ex-husband Brian McFadden and Max, one, and Heidi, two, with Mark.
Our source went on: "She and Mark have been through a rough patch but she hoped that having a real dad in her life may be what she needed to start a fresh chapter.
"For a long time Kerry said she would never approach him but seeing Mark with their kids makes her realise what she has missed. It is sad for anybody to dream of being reunited with a biological parent but for Kerry this is so much more tragic.
Sad
"She didn't have the most stable of upbringings and her life is far from normal now. Meeting her real dad may have made her feel happier and more secure."
Ron was diagnosed with terminal cancer of the gullet in December 2007-a month after the detective had found him. While Kerry dithered, not knowing time was short, his condition worsened. "He had a quick death," said a source close to Ron. "He didn't have to have chemotherapy and was nursed by his wife. It was very tragic."
And our pal of Kerry's said: "It's so sad. She wanted to find her dad to see what similarities they had. She wanted to know what made him tick and what she had inherited from him.
"Now she's scared the rest of Ron's family might reject her because she was the product of her dad's secret affair."
But her newly discovered half-brother Paul said last night: "We are not angry with anybody, we are just shocked.
"We were only told this week that Kerry Katona thinks that our dad is her dad.
"We are a normal family and we just can't believe this has happened to us. We are speaking out because we have been approached about this and once we know the full truth we can move on from there."
Paul's brother Ian, 27, added: "Words cannot describe the shock.
"We had no idea about this, not a clue, until this week.
"At first I thought it was a prank. We would not be speaking out about this unless Kerry had confirmed it."
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This article has 38 comments
I'm pleased for Kerry that she has finally found her real family - hopefully they will treat her a bit better than that thing of a so called husband of her's does! Up until late last year I thought that mark croft was ok - if he made kerry happy let them get on with it. But what sort of a comment to make about your own flesh & blood "i'm not ready to have another son in my life" on his secret son. Should of thought about that before you slept with his Mother then! Simple! What is that poor child to think in years to come when he see's Max with dad. In saying that his mother obviously can't supply his dad with his weekly supply of fast cars & bikes, like kerry can so that's his answer incase the boy ever asks why! I'm very surprised of Kerry as well, she of all people knows what it's like to grow up without a real father. Did she not even try to persaude mark to have contact with the child?? Personally I'm starting to get a bit tired of this car crash life of theirs - hate to say it but I'm starting to see why Brian McFadden left!
By maria mccann. Posted May 6 2009 at 12:33 AM.
To Wilson. Posted April 20 2009 at 4:02 AM - yes they would.
By Oz. Posted May 4 2009 at 2:42 PM.
you are great but they are right you should get rid of that mark you would be better on your own with the did i fell really soz that you did not get to know your dad it must be heard at lest you have another family to get to know
By tracy. Posted May 3 2009 at 2:18 PM.
Whats being "irish" got to do with it!?
By cat. Posted April 25 2009 at 1:49 PM.
Kerry this bad news is awful, i am irish and i understand how hard it is with addiction, please ignore all the negative things said about you,your great and do the best you can, all all of us want is to be loved so best of luck to you all xx
By Dawn Crowley. Posted April 24 2009 at 11:18 AM.
Some people have nothing better to do that write nasty little comments about things they know nothing about.
Good luck Kerry, hope everything works out x x x
By Lisa Anne. Posted April 23 2009 at 8:48 PM.
I Knew Ron For A Long Time If He Did Know Then Least He Never Just Cashed In On All Her Money He Was Tryna Doo The Best For The Kids And Make Sure They Had Good Stable Lives And Tried To Make Them Famous And They Nearly Did So Unless You Knew Him Dont Right Things What You Know Arnt True About Him
By Arnold. Posted April 23 2009 at 12:17 AM.
I would just like to say to Kerry dont dwell on the father, you thought would have played a roll in your life,he ignored you ,just like he ignored his first 2 sons,you just think of the fond memories you have of Arnold Ferrier,who you say was the real father figure he was there for you.
By tias. Posted April 21 2009 at 7:28 AM.
Kerry, you must get rid of that loser Mark.
You have four beautiful kids and you dont need him.
Your new family seem nice (not that they would be
mucking up in front of the worlds media) hopefully they can be supportive. As for your mum Sue; would everyone get off her back. She was young and in love, it was Ron who was married (twice) and should not have been unfaithful with a teenager. No financial or moral support for Kerry from good ole Ron!!!
Hopefully the families will get together and help
you Kerry. Meanwhile Bryan (boy playing at father from across the world) is no help whatsoever. Who left who lets remember.
By suzanne. Posted April 21 2009 at 4:34 AM.
Must say though that Kerry and Lyndsey look like peas in a pod, I am surprised that no-one ever remarked before now of how alike they looked to Lyndsey.
By Vic. Posted April 20 2009 at 3:21 AM.
If Ron's widow Joyce and their other children can accept Kerry into their lives then it has nothing to do with anyone else. I think it will be really nice for all of them if Kerry gets to know her siblings and they seem like a lovely family. The past is dead and gone and the poor man is now dead so no point in being bitter. I wish them all luck in their future together.
By Kathy. Posted April 20 2009 at 3:18 AM.
Congs Kerry&yo new family to discover each other however much late!I am so happy 4u!!What a lovely moment in kerry's life to discover your family roots!I know what it means, i went thru the exact identical situation like kerry's 4 over 30 years.It took me 12 years tracing him.luckily, i found him still alive, a stable&happily family man. So I knw how it feels!But discovering and uniting with my dad&family last year was the best moment of my life.my step mum&siblings were all supportive&welcoming.we are now a happy family.They love me!public dont be selfish& judge insensitively!! kerry was never a party of her parent's affair but just a "product"of that affair.Lets seperate her patternity rights from her current life style!! whther kerry is an addict shouldnt deny her a right of a family roots&belonging.We all have issues but she remains their blood relative.this is not the time 4 judgements but 4giveness,love, re-union, support&acceptence.I am sure your new family will accept and love you.kerry&yo new family i would be willing to support u by sharing with you my experience how we handled the situation&coped to remain a new strong, united& happy family
By Wilson. Posted April 20 2009 at 4:02 AM.
nice family reunion story; however, would they be so keen to accept her should she be a single mother of 4 , living on a sink estate in Greater Manchester?
By chrissie. Posted April 19 2009 at 11:04 PM.
i think she is a total waste of space she has all those kids and cant cope so brian take the kids away from her
By robert. Posted April 19 2009 at 9:52 PM.
Kerry and Mark go away you have had it easier than most people and I could only feel sorry for this new? family if they take you on board your not exactly a good example for an 11 year old GO AND SORT YOUR LIFE OUT AND GET RID OF THAT LOSER OF A HUSBAND sick of reading about you its all your own doing, just feel sorry for your children.
By haze. Posted April 19 2009 at 9:43 PM.
Another oh woe is me story from Kerry.
How much more crap is this pathetic excuse for woman going to come out with.
Spongebob square pants draining some of her money away on useless scams,and the other half going up her nose or down her throat, all she is a whining self pitying pain in the arse.
JUST GO AWAY KERRY NO ONE GIVES A DAMN ABOUT YOU.
By Lorna Wanstall. Posted April 19 2009 at 9:31 PM.
Right I am not sure if someone else wrote this but if Kerry suddenly got cancer and was going to die, the whole Country would rally round and say "ah shame, she had a tough life" etc etc, but we should be saying that now. She obviously has had a tough upbringing (obviously again), but now she is in her full health there is no sympathy. Let us rally round her and say, come on girl get real, get rid of the rif raff out of your life and look after who matters, and that is yourself and your children. I do hope that one day this girl can just feel at peace with herself and her life, its not alot to ask.
By YVONNE . Posted April 19 2009 at 9:06 PM.
OMGGGGG GO AWAYYYYYYYY KERRY!!!
We are SICK of hearing about this girl!
Brian for gods sake go and get your daughters away from this nutter!!!
By Jeanette. Posted April 19 2009 at 8:45 PM.
Kerry, my heart bleeds for you.
Big love
M
By M.Appleton. Posted April 19 2009 at 7:23 PM.
I n all honestly who the hell cares.
Haven't we heard anough of this women,what else will she do for publicity and money.
For gods sake go away.
By robwin. Posted April 19 2009 at 7:19 PM.
I had no idea that Kerry had such a sad life. No wonder she struggles so. I earnestly hope that she finds some familial love and stability with her new family. Good luck and try to find sobriety, Miss Katona. You deserve a second chance.
By Eileen. Posted April 19 2009 at 5:05 PM.
well, my footy team are liverpool, n the girl im looking for must be everything katona isnt....so get mailing ! what? what !
By steve. Posted April 19 2009 at 3:35 PM.
HOWEVER HARD IT MAY BE FOR THE FAMILY AND FOR KERRY. THEY ALL HAVE THE RIGHT TO KNOW THE TRUTH.IF HER DAD HAD BEEN AROUND FOR HER WHEN SHE WAS LITTLE MAYBE SHE WOULD BE DIFFERENT NOW.SHAME ON HER DAD.HOPE THAT IF SHE IS PART OF THEIR FAMILY THEY TAKE HER UNDER THERE WING SHE NEEDS IT. GOOD LUCK TO ALL PARTYS. XXX
By JAYNE. Posted April 19 2009 at 1:25 PM.
now she found you ,do love her and help her out she is your sister its not her fault ,she need your true love,we only here for a while
By cosilia. Posted April 19 2009 at 1:21 PM.
I agree with Jabz. If thiis family is willing to meet with her and accept her, then the rest of us should gracefully butt out. They sound like a very decent family and Kerry would benefit tremendously from a relationship with them. It would also be good for her kids to know they have a stable family in the world. Best of luck to them all.
By Katee. Posted April 19 2009 at 1:06 PM.
They're the ones that have sold the story not Kerry, looks like they are cashing in already!
By Kim . Posted April 19 2009 at 12:10 PM.
I knew Ron for many years and Joyce and if it is all true Kerry is a very lucky girl to have such nice people.
By terry. Posted April 19 2009 at 11:47 AM.
I feel sorry for the half-brothers and sister.........must be everyones wosrt nightmare to find out she's a relative!!
By Annie. Posted April 19 2009 at 11:16 AM.
It could be him alright.Shes the image of him and what goodlooking bros she has.
By Fiona. Posted April 19 2009 at 11:14 AM.
People didn't ought to judge unless you've walked in the same shoes. I never meet my dad properly until recently and i'm 40 and i can't explain just how important it is to find out where you come from and where you fit in, it seriously affects you!!! So i can fully understand where kerry is coming from on this.
By Mandy. Posted April 19 2009 at 11:01 AM.
Why would you even want to trace a father who hadn't bothered about you ever. He's honestly not a father at all. You'd be better off to write him off completely once you had grown up - just as he wrote you off when you were a child.
By Suzy. Posted April 19 2009 at 10:13 AM.
Quite agree with last comments... what a nightmare for that family. Leave them alone Kerry you have got a vile mouth on you and they don't need that nor your messy head in their lives.
By Natts. Posted April 19 2009 at 9:05 AM.
Yet another poor me story, its just another excuse for her lifestyle, her kids should not suffer because she has had a hard life (haven't we all)!! What will she do in a few years time, hand them the papers to read and say this is why I haven't been a very good mummy to you, rather than I am addict I admit it and I am sorry.
By Ally. Posted April 19 2009 at 8:51 AM.
Oh My God!
What a nightmare for this poor family!
Maybe she does look like 'her sister' but what an awful situation for them!
Kerry needs to Leave them be! They will all be dragged through the mud because of her.
She needs to just get on with her sad life and her even more sad husband :o(
By she. Posted April 19 2009 at 8:05 AM.
i dont like the way she acts being the mother of 4 young children, also mark is a sponge who just scrounges off kerry and will probably wont like the idea of kerry having some one else to turn to because he clearly likes controling her and every other word that comes out of his mouth is about how much something costs, i wish her luck though
By jabz. Posted April 19 2009 at 3:47 AM.
oh please, i am so sorry for the family that have lost a special one.. kerry back off, you dont even need to go there. just how much drama can you draw on?
By jules. Posted April 19 2009 at 2:19 AM.
If she wasn't so into drugs she might have met him before he died.
Maybe she can meet him if she's reborn again she might meet him
By bonnythescouser. Posted April 19 2009 at 12:23 AM.
Well, if it's Kerry's family...It could be just what Kerry needs. They sound like a loving and accepting family. Lynsey is spitting image of her I must admit! I sincerely hope they can help and guide Kerry. Kerry has had no stability, maybe this family can give that to her to turn things around in Kerry's life. Good luck to all of them! x
By Pop. Posted April 19 2009 at 12:02 AM.