Kerry Katona is "gutted" to no longer be a member of Atomic Kitten.

Kerry Katona

Kerry Katona

The 37-year-old singer - who was originally replaced by Jenny Frost when she quit the girl group in 2001 - confirmed she has left the band after it was claimed that she launched a profanity-filled rant against member Natasha Hamilton recently.

During a personal appearance in Manchester, when one person suggested she "lose the ginger", ie Natasha, Kerry answered: "I'm not being funny, Atomic Kitten - I always saw her as toxic ****."

A source told the Daily Star Sunday: "Natasha is adamant that Kerry is out of the band.

"Management are hoping to smooth things over but it's not looking likely. Natasha is really hurt and angry."

"Natasha has ruled out singing with Kerry again. Liz [McClarnon] normally stays out of the drama, but has sided with Natasha, and Kerry has once again found herself out of the band."

The source added: "Kerry knew she'd gone too far, but she didn't think she would get chucked out of the band. She's absolutely gutted."

And just hours later, Kerry wrote on Instagram: "Gutted that I am no longer apart of Atomic Kitten!! Wish the girls all the love and happiness in the world!!

"Was very proud to be the founder member of AK! Had some amazing times with the kittens! And gutted not to be apart of that no more! I guess I'll keep to knock knock jokes from now on (sic)."

However, Natasha has denied the claims she wanted Kerry out, tweeting: "I haven't spoken to @KerryKatona7 over calling me C**t. I wasn't there so I let it go. So don't know where all these stories r coming....

"...So don't know where all these stories about us falling about it have come from.

"Liz and I have had Kerry's back since the day she came back to the band and have been there for her through thick and thin. We always will

"As for kicking her out the band?Complete rubbish. Both Liz and I can't do any more gigs until mid next year because we are in theatre shows (sic)."

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