. She was. You’re welcome.”
Jenny Frost, who replaced Kerry in the band and had a successful solo career of her own, shot back with a comment that suggested she didn’t feel sorry for Kerry’s decision to leave the group: “‘I never felt bad for Kerry. ‘She’d made a decision. She had chosen she wanted to be with Brian and have a baby, so that was her path.'”
The Band’s Journey
The documentary provides a detailed account of Atomic Kitten’s rise to fame and their subsequent struggles. Kerry Katona left the band in 2001 after becoming pregnant with her eldest daughter, Molly McFadden. Jenny Frost took over the role as lead singer just months later.
Whole Again, Atomic Kitten’s first number one single, was released before Kerry’s departure. The song became an international success, selling a million copies in the UK alone and topping charts across the globe. The music video for Whole Again also featured Jenny, reflecting the band’s adaptation to the change in lineup.
Despite their initial success with Whole Again, Atomic Kitten struggled with their debut album, which failed to live up to expectations upon its release in 2000. However, after Kerry’s departure, the group found renewed success with songs like The Tide Is High and Eternal Flame.
The Broader Context
The “Girlbands Forever” documentary also sheds light on the broader issues faced by girlbands during their heydays. Viewers learn about the mistreatment of singers in bands such as All Saints, Little Mix, and Atomic Kitten. For instance, Melanie Blatt from All Saints revealed that she was urged to have an abortion after becoming pregnant during the band’s heyday.
Natasha Osborn, another member of Atomic Kitten, admitted feeling terrified when she found out she was expecting her first child because she thought she’d be dropped from the band. However, she kept working until the last possible minute and gave birth in August 2002 just before releasing their number one single, The Tide Is High.
Viewer Reactions
The airing of “Girlbands Forever” on November 5, 2025, sparked heated discussions among viewers. Some expressed support for Kerry Katona, while others defended Jenny Frost’s career and success. The documentary serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics that can exist within music groups and the impact such decisions have on individuals’ lives. The “Girlbands Forever” series is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer, offering audiences an in-depth look at the journey of some of the world’s most successful girlbands.
