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Kerry 'I’m back to my best’

With her sexy hairstyle, great body and a place on the next Dancing On Ice, Kerry Katona should be bursting with confidence.

But as she launched Liverpool Fashion Week last Tuesday, the ex-Atomic Kitten was full of nerves, fearing her comeback would be a huge flop.

Cheered on by her mum Sue, 50, and manager Claire Powell, Kerry took to the catwalk and wowed the crowds in a series of slinky LBDs, before beaming: “I’m back on track.”

A friend of the mum-of-four says: “Kerry’s still fragile after all that happened between her and Mark, so it was a real achievement for her to walk out in front of all those people.

Our source tells Closer: “Beforehand she kept saying, ‘What if I fall over or make a t*t of myself? I can’t do it on my own.’ She was scared all the WAGs and fashionista types that hang out in Liverpool might take the mickey out of her.

“But everyone was stunned at how good she looked. Sue was so proud watching her.”

After strutting her stuff on the runway at the city’s Bamboo club, Kerry, 30, shunned the press call and was whisked off by her manager Claire to Liverpool’s swanky Alma De Cuba bar.

The pal adds: “Kerry’s still nervous about how she looks on camera after what used to be said about her being on drugs.

“She just wanted to be with people who’d be positive and not ask awkward questions. But she was buzzing after the show.”

In January, 5ft 3 Kerry was a size 14 and weighed 10st 3lbs, but after spending two weeks at an intense bootcamp, she dropped to a size 10 and 9st 3lbs, which gave her the confidence to leave husband Mark Croft, 39, the following month. Now to maintain her figure, Kerry has virtually quit booze and works out regularly – she is currently a size 8 and 7½st.

Her boobs have shrunk from a 34DD to between a 32B and a 32C and she’s told pals she wants a boob job after she stars in ITV1’s Dancing On Ice.

The pal says: “Kerry’s boobs have vanished. She had her implants removed a few years ago for her MTV show, but with all the weight loss they’re tiny.

“Kerry prefers having a big chest but says it’s a small sacrifice to make for being slim. She’s the happiest she’s been with her body in ages.”

But despite her body confidence, Kerry isn’t planning to get into a relationship – at least until after DOI which starts in January.

The pal adds: “Kerry’s new look has got her attention from guys. But she doesn’t want to be distracted by men until Dancing On Ice is over.”

Two weeks ago, Kerry went partying in Warrington with her ex Dave Cunningham, 33, who she dated five years ago before leaving him for love rat Mark.

Although they’re just friends, sources say she still holds a torch for him and they have plans to meet again.
The pal says: “After Kerry got with Mark, she and Dave didn’t speak for years. But they got in touch again via Facebook.

“Dave was lovely to her and the kids back then and she says it just wasn’t the right time for them. Kerry wanted to party and Dave was more settled. Then Mark came along.

“Kerry has grown up a lot and realises Dave is just the kind of man she needs. They spent the night flirting.”

Publicly, however, Kerry has denied she wants to get back with him, saying: “I went up to Warrington last week and had a great night with friends. I saw my ex Dave Cunningham again but there’s no chance of us rekindling!”

Kerry has only had one date – with kickboxer Scott Gibson, 29 – since splitting with painter and decorator Adam Waldron in July.

She was linked to Peter Andre’s friend Carl Machin, 37, earlier this month but denied any romance.

But sources say behind the scenes Kerry is interested in Dave, saying: “She’d like try again to see if they can make it work. She giggles whenever his name is mentioned so it’s a case of watch this space!”

By Amy Swales