Kerry Katona was forced to miss her own children’s First Holy Communion yesterday – to avoid a bust-up with ex-husband Brian McFadden.

The star said she could not risk going to the church service for daughters Molly, eight, and Lilly-Sue, seven, for fear of a row blowing up.

Despite being gutted at having to miss out, she and ex-Westlife singer Brian agreed it would only lead to “unsavoury scenes” and ruin their daughters’ big day.

The service was ­organised by Brian’s devoutly religious ­parents Mairead and Brendan.

A family friend said: “They think it’s a shame the girls have taken their First Communion without their mum there to see it, but they know it was for the best.”

The ceremony at a church in Dublin marked the ­children’s official entry into the ­Catholic faith.

Kerry, 28, who was upset at not being able to get the girls dressed and ready for the ceremony, instead attended the ­wedding of her half-brother Paul ­Armstrong in Skelmersdale, Lancs, looking svelte and toned as she wore a sensational red dress.

A friend of the ex-Atomic Kitten said: “Kerry is gutted she couldn’t be with her children. Brian made it very clear a long time ago that his parents see the ceremony as a huge deal. He also didn’t want it degenerating into a circus, with rows and paparazzi everywhere. Kerry isn’t ­religious at all so she agreed. But when the moment arrived, she had to face up to the reality of not ­being there. But she knew the girls would have a fabulous time with their dad and his ­family and she can’t wait to see the ­photographs. She was hoping Paul’s wedding would take her mind off it.”

Brian, 30, is flying the girls back to Kerry today before jetting to Australia, where he now lives. He said yesterday: “I’m so proud of my girls. It’s hitting me just how grown-up they are.”

Source : Mirror UK