Kerry Katona has been hitting headlines after her rumoured boyfriend, Paolo Margaglione’s ex spoke about their relationship – but a source says it’s like ‘water off a duck’s back’ to her

Kerry’s ‘no man-stealer, claims a source close to the star (Image: Instagram)

Kerry Katona has come under fire after her hunky new partner’s ex accused her of stealing her man. Mum-of-five Kerry has been in a love bubble with personal trainer Paolo Margaglione, 33, after meeting him on Celebs Go Dating in May. But Paolo’s ex, Jessica Smith, 25, claims she was already in a relationship with the dad-of-two – and completely unaware he was filming the dating show, as OK! reports.

“He lied to me the entire time we were together. It was horrendous,” said Jessica, who is a warehouse manager from Holmfirth, Yorkshire. I do not believe that he has one single feeling for Kerry. He only cares about fame and he’ll be happy he’s now being put out there.”

Paolo’s ex Jessica claimed he was only with Kerry ‘for the fame’ (Image: Instagram)

Devastated Jessica spoke out after seeing snaps of Kerry, 44, and Paolo kissing outside a London hotel. She claims he “repeatedly lied” about taking part in the show – which also stars Love Island’s Olivia Hawkins and The Chase’s Mark Labbett – and that he told her he was travelling to London for business meetings when he was in fact filming scenes with smitten Kerry.

But a source close to the former Atomic Kitten star, who is keeping tight-lipped over the furore, has said that after experiencing her fair share of romantic betrayals herself, she would never knowingly make a move on another woman’s man.

“She’s ben telling people, ‘I’m not a man-stealer’ and it’s not something nice to be accused of, but she knows her truth and won’t let it ruin things,” the source said. “Kerry isn’t going to let anyone rain on her parade.”

Jess went on to claim that Paolo, who she started dating after he contacted her on Instagram, continued to send her loved-up messages while he was filming the E4 reality show, even telling her he wanted to marry her.

Loved-up Kerry is looking better than ever lately(Image: kerrykatona7/Instagram)

But Paolo, who has two daughters from a previous relationship, denies any wrongdoing. “I was never in a relationship with Jess,” he said. “We only met up around five times. I was honest with her that I had been offered to go on a dating show and if it were to come to fruition, I would take the opportunity.”

He continued, “I made it clear to Jess that we had to stop talking and seeing each other as I had been offered to go on the show. I have nothing bad to say about Jess – she’s a great girl.”

Kerry’s rumoured new romance comes eight months after her shock split from her former fiancé Ryan Mahoney, who she dated for six years. The pair met online and lived together in Cheshire, with personal trainer Ryan proposing to Kerry in 2020.

The relationship broke down last November and Kerry later revealed they had parted over a “breach of trust”. She said at the time, “We are no longer together and it’s been a really tough week. I never in a million years thought this would happen.”

Paolo denies any wrongdoing when it comes to Jessica, who he dated briefly(Image: Instagram)

Three-times-married Kerry wed her first husband, Westlife star Brian McFadden, in 2002 and they have two daughters, Molly, 23, and Lilly-Sue, 22. She went on to marry taxi driver Mark Croft, welcoming daughter Heidi, 18, and son Max, 17, before the relationship crumbled after three years together.

In 2014, she tied the knot with George Kay, the father of her youngest daughter Dylan-Jorge, 11. Tragically, former rugby league player George died in 2019 following a drug overdose.

Celebrity Big Brother star Kerry is certainly no stranger to drama when it comes to her love life, but the sourcesays she has “learnt the hard way” when it comes to fame-hungry partners and won’t be fooled again.

“She’s felt that betrayal,” the source said. “But she’s got a smart head on her shoulders and she’s totally happy and comfortable with Paolo.

“She has never felt or looked better, and a hunky man was really the only thing missing from her life. She’s making good money and everything is on her terms. She’s not being controlled or led by anyone.”