Katie Price Defends Whirlwind Marriage to Lee Andrews on GMB
Katie Price has hit back at what she called "disrespectful" critics during a candid appearance on Good Morning Britain. The former glamour model, 47, joined hosts Susanna Reid and Ed Balls to discuss her recent marriage to businessman Lee Andrews, which followed a whirlwind romance.
Defending Her Decision
Price married Andrews at the One&Only Royal Mirage hotel in Dubai in January, a move that left her family, including her mother Amy Price, "traumatised" and fans concerned she "didn't know" who she was marrying. On the ITV daytime show, Price insisted she was "happy" and capable of making her own decisions.
When Reid expressed concern, noting she would worry if a friend married someone so quickly, Price responded: "Do you ever really know anyone? If you look at my past marriages, did I ever know they would be what they would be. Sometimes I don't think you can ever know who anyone is..."
She elaborated on her past relationships, describing them as toxic, coercive, and abusive, and emphasised that she now recognises red flags. "Now, I know the signs of red flags and I am older, I can make my own decisions," she said.
Addressing Family Concerns
Price confirmed that Andrews has yet to meet her family or children in person, though they have seen him on FaceTime. "For me to introduce him to the kids, I won't be introducing them to him yet because I want to get to know him more myself," she explained.
She defended their long-distance arrangement, with Andrews living in Dubai, saying it "works very well" for her schedule with her children. Price added: "I've seen what I want to see, I am so happy, people shouldn't underestimate me and my decisions."
Financial Allegations Surface
The interview comes amid reports of financial issues involving Andrews. A US-based businesswoman claimed she received "desperate" voice notes from Andrews begging for cash, with amounts ranging from £1,100 to £2,500, just a week before he proposed to Price.
In the notes, Andrews reportedly said he was "trying to survive" and living off 20 pence ready meals while waiting for business payments from Kenya. When the woman refused to send money, he allegedly swore at her and called her a time waster.
Unpaid Hotel Bills and Past Accusations
Further allegations include that Andrews racked up a huge bill at the luxury Dubai hotel where he and Price married and left without paying. Sources say the bill, believed to run into thousands of pounds with rooms costing around £2,000 a night, remains unsettled over six weeks later.
Andrews has denied these claims, insisting the bill was "fully paid" via his HSBC account, though he has not provided proof. He also faces accusations from ex-partners, including Alana Percival, who branded him "another Tinder Swindler" and claimed he tried to scam women out of money.
Family Reactions and Current Situation
Price's whirlwind marriage has stunned her family. Her sister Sophie revealed on Price's podcast that the situation has been stressful and upsetting, saying: "Mum has been horrendous. You have traumatised us all again."
Price's children, Junior and Princess Andre, learned of the marriage through a family group chat, with Princess describing it as "impulse on a whole other level." Currently, Price is back in the UK while Andrews remains in Dubai, unable to leave due to travel restrictions, with the couple communicating only via FaceTime.
Price concluded on GMB: "I just want people to be happy for me." Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1 and ITVX.
