Natasha Hamilton Reveals Health Struggles and Band Feud in Candid Interview
Former Atomic Kitten star Natasha Hamilton has bravely opened up about her tumultuous journey through health crises and a long-standing feud with bandmate Kerry Katona. In an exclusive interview, the 43-year-old singer shared intimate details of her battles with postnatal depression, perimenopause, and an autoimmune condition, while reflecting on her pop career and personal life.
The Rise and Fall of Atomic Kitten
Atomic Kitten, formed in Liverpool in 1998, quickly became a chart-topping sensation with hits like Whole Again, capturing the hearts of teenagers across Britain. The original lineup featured Natasha Hamilton, Liz McClarnon, and Kerry Katona, with Jenny Frost later replacing Kerry. However, behind the glossy facade, Natasha was struggling immensely. When the band split in May 2004, citing a focus on family and solo projects, it marked a turbulent period for her.
Following the birth of her second son, Harry, in December 2004, Natasha spiralled into severe postnatal depression. She recalls, "It wasn't the way I ever saw my career going. For it to end as bad as it did, it was so sad. And it just left such a horrible feeling in my body that I couldn't really talk about it." This emotional turmoil set the stage for years of health challenges ahead.
Health Battles and Personal Transformation
Now a mother of five, Natasha has undergone a profound transformation, embracing her role as an independent solo artist. She admits that early perimenopause tested her physically and emotionally, leading her to start hormone replacement therapy (HRT) about 12 months ago. "Before that I was falling apart," she says bluntly. "I had no confidence. I was almost sabotaging all the hard work I'd been putting into releasing new music as an independent artist."
Her health struggles intensified after the birth of her daughter Kitty in August 2023, when she was diagnosed with Hashimoto's disease, an autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid and causes hypothyroidism. This diagnosis explained symptoms like extreme pain, swelling, and hair loss. "I'd put my feet on the floor and every bone in my feet, in my shins, everything was... I was in so much pain. Honestly, it was awful," she describes. Natasha is now on lifelong thyroxine medication to manage the condition.
Feud with Kerry Katona and Band Dynamics
Despite various Atomic Kitten reunions over the years, including tours and performances for events like Euro 2020, Natasha announced her departure from the group in October 2024 to focus on her solo career. While she expresses openness to future reunions, she rules out working with Kerry Katona. "I wish Kerry all the best. That girl has been out there. She's a hustler. She looks after those kids so well. Fair play to the girl," Natasha says. "There's no big thing, but when it comes to work, that isn't going to happen."
Her solo endeavors include releasing tracks like Edge Of Us, Burning Letters, and Numb under her own label, Morpho Records. She admits that Numb was inspired by years of criticism and online abuse, including cruel jibes about her personal life.
Motherhood, Marriage, and Moving Forward
Natasha's personal life has been a source of strength, particularly her marriage to husband Charles Gay, whom she wed in Italy's Lake Como in September 2021. After being told her chances of having a fifth child were "super, super low," she underwent a difficult round of IVF that left her depressed. However, she later conceived naturally using the Natural Cycles app, calling it a "miracle."
Today, Natasha is focused on mentoring new artists and building her record label, while embracing self-confidence and body positivity. "I spent years in an industry that took chunks out of young women, out of me. And I'm like, 'I'm not gonna now do that to myself.' I love myself more than that," she asserts. With a fulfilled career and family life, she is finally reclaiming her identity and power.
