Celebrities Gather for Bluey The Ride Launch at Alton Towers
Comedian Katherine Ryan and Coronation Street actress Catherine Tyldesley led a host of stars at the official launch of Bluey The Ride at Alton Towers on Saturday. Both celebrities, aged 42, were seen in high spirits as they enjoyed the new attraction with their young children, marking a festive family day out at the popular theme park.
Katherine Ryan's Family Outing
Katherine Ryan was all smiles as she experienced the ride with her three-year-old daughter Fenna. She was accompanied by her partner Bobby Kootstra and their other children: son Fred, aged four, and baby Holland, who is five months old. The comedian, known for her sharp wit, appeared relaxed and joyful during the event, focusing on creating memorable moments with her family.
Catherine Tyldesley's Cozy Appearance
Catherine Tyldesley, wrapped in a khaki coat, enjoyed one of the rides with her three-year-old daughter Iris. The soap star was joined by her husband Tom Pitfield and their 11-year-old son James, making it a full family affair. Her presence added a touch of glamour to the launch, with fans noting her cheerful demeanor throughout the day.
Other Notable Attendees
The event attracted several other well-known faces from television and entertainment. Amy Childs opted for a stylish white trench coat and matching zip-up jumper, attending with her nine-year-old daughter Polly. Lydia Bright brought along her six-year-old daughter Loretta Rose, while fellow TOWIE star Georgia Kousoulou was seen with her four-year-old son Brody.
Rounding out the guest list was Leanne Quigley, winner of The Traitors series two, who attended with her fiancée Sophie Jones and their twins Hudson and Harley. The diverse group of celebrities highlighted the family-friendly appeal of the Bluey The Ride attraction, which is based on the popular children's television show.
Katherine Ryan's Candid Revelations
The outing follows recent candid comments from Katherine Ryan about her family life. Earlier this month, she humorously referred to her "fertility addiction" while sharing clips from a family holiday with her four children. In a playful Instagram post, she joked that her large brood was "an advert for condoms," praising her double buggy for enabling her busy lifestyle.
More significantly, Ryan broke her long-standing silence on the father of her 16-year-old daughter Violet. On the Juicy Scoop With Heather McDonald podcast, she expressed frustration with his lack of involvement, stating that he has never made sacrifices or provided financial support. Ryan explained that while she protected him while Violet was young, she now feels her daughter is old enough to see the situation for herself.
"He's not a bad person, but he's never made any sacrifices, never paid anything for her, just kind of texts her, which I think is breadcrumbing," Ryan said. She added that this minimal contact, though better than none, falls short of the fatherly presence she desires for her daughter. Ryan, who is married to Bobby Kootstra and has three younger children with him, contrasted this with her own parenting approach, emphasizing the importance of availability and sacrifice.
Background on Ryan's Family
Katherine Ryan married businessman Bobby Kootstra, her Canadian high school sweetheart, after reconnecting in 2018. They reunited while she was filming an episode of the BBC ancestry series Who Do You Think You Are? in her hometown of Sarnia, Ontario. Ryan has previously discussed co-parenting Violet in measured terms, notably in her 2019 Netflix special Glitter Room, where she vowed never to speak ill of him. However, her recent comments reflect a shift as her daughter enters adulthood.
The Bluey The Ride launch served as a lighthearted counterpoint to these personal revelations, showcasing Ryan's ability to balance her professional humor with heartfelt family moments. The event underscored the enduring appeal of Alton Towers as a destination for celebrity families, blending entertainment with personal connections.
