Interview: Michelle Heaton from Atomic Kitten
British pop trio Atomic Kitten were serious girl-power royalty back in the late 90s-early 2000s, winning millions of young fans with addictive feel-good gems The Tide is High, It’s Ok, and worldwide phenomenon Whole Again. As the trio prepare for their long-awaited return to our shores next year to support B*Witched we caught up with former Liberty X member Michelle Heaton who revealed the real reason she joined AK, whether Liberty X will ever make a comeback, and her new role as a wicked queen!
What are you most looking forward to about this Australian tour?
I’m really looking forward to coming back to Australia and I cannot wait to play for the older generations and their families, It’s going to be a great time!
You probably don’t get much time off but is there anywhere you would especially love to visit while you’re down here?
Yes, you’re right! We don’t get much time off. I think originally we had more free time but then they added those extra shows because (the tour) was getting such a positive response. If we have time I would love to do some shopping and get to visit some of your beautiful beaches.
I understand you’re taking Liz’s place for the international shows, but are you now a permanent member of Atomic Kitten?
No, I don’t think so. Liz (McClarnon) is one of my best friends and she gave me her blessing because she doesn’t like to fly. They wanted to stay as a trio and they’ve missed out on a few overseas shows. After Liberty X finished it just seemed like a natural progression for me to step in and help out, so yeah, I think it’s just for the international tour.
What can fans expect from the Atomic Kitten sets?
Lots of dancing, harmonies and old school pop songs. It’s going to be nostalgic and happy time. There’s been an amazing response and we can’t wait to get out there and have fun with everyone!
What are your favourite songs in the AK arsenal?
I enjoy a number of Atomic Kitten songs! It’s Ok is really great to sing and Whole Again was such a massive tune, I can’t forget that one. The Tide Is High is always good too!
When did you first meet the AK girls?
We were always in the same circuit when I was in Liberty X and we’ve become really good friends. Kerry (Katona) and I are very close, we were actually both bridesmaids to our mutual friend Katie Price’s first wedding with Peter Andre.
Speaking of Liberty X, do you think the group will make a comeback soon?
A few months ago I would have said yes but Kevin (Simm)’s solo career is really taking off at the moment so I’m not sure if we would all be able to come together.
You’ve been in a wide selection of reality shows including ‘Celebrity Big Brother’, ‘The Apprentice’ and ‘I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here’, which one did you find most challenging?
‘Celebrity Big Brother’ was the most challenging. I didn’t expect it to be so extremely draining and intense so yeah, ‘Celebrity Big Brother’.
Recently you’ve been on tour with the live production of ‘Mum’s The Word 2’. Has the show officially wrapped up or will there be more shows in the future?
We’re finished with that one now. I’ve actually been working on a pantomime of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. It’s been really great! I play the wicked Queen. I think we open at the start of December and finish in January. A month later I’ll be flying with Atomic Kitten for the Australian tour.
Awesome! And lastly, what do you hope to achieve in the next few years?
At the moment I’m looking forward to touring more with Atomic Kitten. It would be great to travel around the world. Apart from that, I’m not exactly sure what the next few years hold. We’ll just have to find out!
B*Witched 2017 Australian Tour
TUE 7 FEB
Metro City, Perth
WED 8 FEB
Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide
THURS 9 FEB
Festival Hall, Melbourne
FRI 10 FEB
170 Russell, Melbourne (SOLD OUT)
SAT 11 FEB
Big Top, Sydney
SUN 12 FEB
Big Top, Sydney
TUE 14 FEB
NEX Wests City, Newcastle
WED 15 FEB
Wrest Point, Hobart
FRI 17 FEB
Jupiter’s Theatre, Gold Coast
SAT 18 FEB
Eatons Hill, Brisbane
Get Tickets HERE
