Kerry Katona has launched a fiery defence of her close friend Katie Price, accusing the former glamour model’s ex-partners – including Peter Andre – of riding on Katie’s fame and “clinging to her coat-tails.”

The former Atomic Kitten star, 45, who is currently touring the UK with Katie, didn’t hold back when discussing the men Katie once believed were “the one.” She said the public would be shocked to realise how much “they benefitted from her spotlight,” insisting, “None of them would have been anything without her. Peter Andre would have been no one without her.”

Katie, 47, first met Peter on I’m A Celebrity back in 2004, and their romance captivated the nation. But Kerry claims it was Katie who pulled all the attention, while Peter “simply reaped the rewards.”

“She was the magnet – they just grabbed on,” Kerry continued. She added that behind closed doors, life with Katie is far less chaotic than people imagine: “People would be surprised about how boring we are. Last time she was here, we sat in our jammies and watched crime on TV.”

Katie’s had her fair share of heartbreak since then, including high-profile splits from Kieran Hayler and Alex Reid. When asked if she and Katie share similar personalities, Kerry laughed: “She’s really laidback about everything – even parenting. I’m more strict. And I’m more fiery. I’m more likely to headbutt someone.”

Katie’s personal struggles have played out publicly for years, from relationship breakdowns to her ongoing battle with bankruptcy. Declared bankrupt twice, she was forced to put her infamous Mucky Mansion on the market to pay off mounting tax debts.

But Kerry insists this chapter doesn’t define her friend. “Kate is not fragile. She’s the strongest woman I know. She’s more sober, more together than people give her credit for. And she will get her empire back. I am in awe of her,” she said