Katona struggles with stepdad's death

Rex Features

Kerry Katona is still struggling to cope with the death of her stepfather Arnold Ferrier, according to a report today.

Ferrier, who Kerry considered as her real dad, passed away at his home in Texas last month after a short battle with cancer. He was 78.

Katona was brought up by Ferrier for five years after her mother Sue walked out on the family after developing mental health problems.

Kerry has now started wearing some of her stepfather's ashes around her neck in a special crucifix.

A friend of Katona told the Daily Star Sunday: "Kerry has never ever known her real dad but Arnold was as good as her dad. He was in her life from the age of two and remained a part of it until he died. He always had a dream to go and live in the States and a couple of years ago he moved out there.

"When Kerry was told he was ill she was distraught and arranged to go and see him. Sadly she was too late. But the ashes are a reminder of what a kind, caring man he was. He was incredibly proud of her. She really feels like she's lost her dad."