Veronica Schmidt
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Kerry Katona stunned television viewers this morning when she slurred her way through an interview on ITV’s This Morning.
The onetime pop singer turned reality TV celebrity appeared on the show to discuss her recent cosmetic surgery, filmed for a reality show, but her speech was so slurred that it was at times undecipherable and she frequently turned away from the cameras to seek the reassurance of her husband, Mark Croft, who was standing off set.
After struggling to understand Katona, presenter Philip Schofield told the former Atomic Kitten: "If I’m honest now, you don't seem right to me, sitting here now, you've got the body sorted but your speech is a bit slurred, how are you feeling?"
Looking surprised, she replied: “Is it?” She explained: “That’s because I’m on medication at night time.”
Katona, who has struggled with drug addiction and bipolar disorder, then looked off camera and appeared to be talking to her husband about the drugs: "I had some last night, didn't I Mark?"
The recently-bankrupted star of Crazy In Love then tried to tell Schofield and co-presenter Fern Britton what medication she was taking but her explanation was undecipherable.
When told that people were calling the show to ask if she was OK, she slurred: “All it is is my medication, I swear. I’m absolutely fine."
Britton then asked Katona about reports that she had been drinking large amounts of alcohol and asked if she had an addiction.
An affronted Katona said she was not an alcoholic.
Katona was publicising the MTV show Whole Again, which followed her as she underwent a breast reduction, augmentation and lipo suction.
Katona has become a tabloid favourite after lurching from crisis to crisis since finding fame. She fought an acrimonious divorce battle with her first husband, West Life singer Brian McFadden, checked into rehab for drug addiction, was burgled at gun point and this year was declared bankrupt.
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it was out of this world to watch,i just couldnt beleive waht i was seening or hearing for that,i dont know what to make of mark,weather hes in it for the money or the love,i just dnt know,a very troubeled girl,but when there is childeren involved,since her split from brian,it all just went down hil
shannon, kildare, eira
I can't possibly say what Katona's private problems are, but I think the public reaction to this is in itself more worthy of comment. The claim that this is caused by prescribed medication has been too often greeted with a snort. I don't think this attitude to mental illness should be let to slide.
kate, Yorkshire,
I have experience of knowing someone who was on these same sleeping pills and they have the same effect as drink. Someone who has taken them appears similar ie...slurred sppech.sleepiness..not being fully aware of whats going on and I definately believe Kerry when she says its the pills!!
Rebecca, Notts,
Whilst I feel sorry for Kerry Katona's current state of mind/ health, I must say that I am sick and tired of useless celebrities of her kind. Our culture has become celebrity obsessed & people like Kerry is a really sad example of how far one goes to maintain that celeb status.
N, london,
she was worse on the Irish show, "the Ryan Tubridy Show". She had recently been voted "best mum" but was clearly off her head. So much so, the host had to make excuses for her teeth clenching, saying she had an abcess. Her kids were in the audience.
rob glascott, Dublin, ireland
Look, obviously I don't get out much but...who is Kerry Katona and what is she famous for?
Mark, Reading, UK
I agree the poor girl should never have been allowed to go on air, she really needs help and I can only feel pity for her and just hope that she has not jepordised her kids in any way in this interview. It is a cry for help and people in glass houses should not throw stones, it could happen to you
lee, glasgow, scotland
I felt very uncomfortable watching the interview, but feel that Phillip and Fern had no choice but to bring up the fact that she simply wasn't right. Anyone watching would have felt the same, and they would have been criticised if they hadn't said anything! I definitelt think she'd been drinking.
Sue Williams, Mountain Ash, Mid Glamorgan
Fern & Philip took advantage of someone who was not fit to be interviewed on live TV. Shame on ITV!
Mrs White, Cheshire,
I watched the interview as it aired and it was horrific to watch. Kerry Katona was obviously under the influence of some drug/alcohol & whomever was responsible for her being interviewed today ie) ITV/This Morning or Kerrys management should be ashamed.She is obviously in a very vulnerable state.
Jenn Mein, NEWPORT,
i watched this today and i immediatly tought she was either drunk or on drugs and it wasnt just her slurred words it was her body language too. i was cringing just watching it how could anyone let her go through with it she was a mess
sarah gaff, norwich, uk
A friend of mine suffers from Bipolar disorder. He is on a large amount of drugs as he is going through a tough time at the moment. He slurs his words, but its the medication that does that to him. He feels fine and continuously tell people he is fine.
John Doe, Solihull, UK
Slurred speach can be a part /sign of bipolar ...esp if she hs mixed up or changed her meds in anyway. Some sleeping meds can be very strong and have a slight effect on you for a few hours in the moring. After watching the interview she hard to understand but give the girl a break.
Lu Corbin, Hx,
You mean her breasts are natural and she just had them reduced or she regretted an earlier augmentation? These are what set her apart so please clarify.
watkins, bangkok, thailand
i am really angry as i feel this sad girl is needing help and quick! if it was any other person social services would be involved .i take medication for same ailment as kerry and i have never reacted to it like that.i believe it was not prescribed drugs that was her problem
elizabeth riddoch, glasgow, scotland
If the girl is on medication then leave her alone. i know the media needs the best exposure possible when it comes to celebritys but to be honest you would know about it if she came on set drunk or druged up. Also if she was drunk then why did the producers let an intoxitated individual be aired????
victoria morgan, manchester, england
beware what you wish for - poor girl - what an unhappy life...
robert, belfast,
The poor girl was obviously not right and someone should have stopped her from making a fool of herself. she was definately not hersef and appeared to be under the influence of some substance be it drink or drugs.when will these young stars realise its better to keep a low profile when in trouble.
mrs davison, pontefract, england
she is a disgrace.
kris, liverpool,
i watched the interview very shocked that this morning had allowed her to appear on the show! she was in no fit state and they must have seen that before interviewing her live.
jo mills, ibiza, spain
I know Kerry has bipolar but come off it she was off her face. I also have taken the same medication as kerry as I have the disorder but you only have side affects for the first few weeks while the drugs get into your system she has been on medication a long time. Stop trying to kid yourself Kerry
mrs hudson, hull, england
I think this made very unfomfortable viewing. In all fairness to the girl she needs help and is the last person to see it. However, those closest to her should be able to forsee that she is about to make an utter fool of herself and be able to advise her accordingly.
Lisa Harris, Swansea, UK