Natasha Hamilton Opens Up About Girlband Struggles in New Documentary

Natasha Hamilton, former member of the popular girl band Atomic Kitten, has candidly discussed the personal challenges she faced during her rise to fame in the new BBC documentary Girlbands Forever. The documentary, airing on November 1, 2023, delves into the pressures of being part of a girl group and the toll it took on her mental and physical health.

Joining Atomic Kitten as a teenager in 1999, Hamilton initially felt she had secured a dream opportunity. However, she quickly encountered the harsh realities of life on the road, including demanding tour schedules and fluctuating friendships. Reflecting on her experiences, she stated, “I’m hoping with this documentary that people will realise it was all smoke and mirrors.”

Hamilton, who was only 16 when she auditioned for the band, faced immediate challenges. During her second audition, tensions arose with fellow band member Kerry Katona, who was concerned about Hamilton’s creative input. This led to a pivotal moment when Katona threatened to leave the group if Hamilton joined. Fortunately, the band’s manager Martin O’Shea and pop star Andy McCluskey recognized Hamilton’s talent and kept her in the lineup.

Despite an initially rocky relationship, Hamilton and Katona grew close, with Katona even moving into Hamilton’s family home. Their friendship blossomed, and Hamilton described their bond as developing from “butting heads” to becoming the best of friends.

However, as the band reached new heights with their hit “Whole Again,” Katona left, and Jenny Frost stepped in. This shift added pressure on Hamilton, who felt the burden of carrying the group. She recalled moments of distress, particularly when she was forced to perform while her bandmates were ill. “I can remember being sat on the living room floor and crying,” she shared, revealing the immense pressure she felt to always deliver.

With a rigorous schedule, Hamilton’s weight dropped significantly, leading to speculation about an eating disorder. She insists, however, that her weight loss stemmed from her demanding lifestyle, not an eating disorder. She noted that while the band experimented with fat-burning supplements, the culture surrounding body image was skewed at that time. “We got six-packs in three days. I would never do that now,” she remarked.

Hamilton’s life took another turn when she became pregnant with her first child, Josh, at age 19. Initially keeping her pregnancy a secret, she eventually revealed it after fainting in a shop. Her bandmates were supportive, celebrating the news with her. After Josh’s birth via C-section, Hamilton returned to performing just six weeks later, a decision she later regretted.

“I am basically a child having a child,” she stated, reflecting on her lack of preparation for motherhood and the rapid return to the stage. The pressure intensified, and she struggled with postpartum depression, which she described as a downward spiral. “It was the most horrifying performance of my life,” Hamilton recalled, feeling overwhelmed and insecure while on stage.

By the time her son was 18 months old, Hamilton realized she could no longer manage both motherhood and the demands of being in a band. “My mental health deteriorated and I just couldn’t cope,” she admitted, revealing her battle with crippling anxiety.

The documentary Girlbands Forever aims to provide an honest look at the experiences of women in the music industry and the challenges they face. Featuring stories from various girl groups, it promises to shed light on the realities behind the glamour.

Viewers can tune in to watch Hamilton’s journey and the stories of her fellow artists on BBC Two at 9:20 PM on November 1, 2023. Through her openness, Hamilton hopes to inspire others and highlight the importance of mental health in the entertainment industry.