Pop pin-up turned reality tv star Peter Andre has bounced back from his split with Katie Price, aka Jordan, and become a shining example to single dads severywhere.
A Dad who has split up with the mother of his child or children will know it is the worst of times with the anxiety and feeling that you may miss out on playing the crucial role in their upbringing.
Celebrity Dads are no different and that was the worry that Peter Andre felt when his marriage to Katie Price ended last year. But the Aussie pop star insists he won’t be sidelined and will be there for Junior, Princess and Harvey.
“I’m always going to be in their lives and so I have nothing to worry about,” he says.
“I’m the one that is going to walk my daughter down the aisle and I’m the one that is going to organise my son’s stag do. My children don’t need another dad. I am their dad and I always will be.”
When the couple split up, the nation split into Team Peter and Team Katie. It seems to be Pete, as he’s known to friends and family, who has become the public’s favourite. And proof came when he was voted Bounty Celebrity Dad of the Year 2010 in June.
“This feels so good. It’s been a turnaround year for me and the kids and it’s an honour to be the subject of the public’s support and best wishes. This means a huge amount to me as being a dad is my most important role,” he said.
Bounty’s Faye Mingo added: “Our mums tell us that he’s an inspiration for all single dads going through a tough divorce and that they respect the fact that he makes time and puts in untold effort to be able to enjoy the family life he values so much.”
Andre was actually born in London in 1973 but was raised Down Under. He was discovered on the Australian television talent show New Faces in 1990 and after several hits in his adopted country he had a number two hit single in the UK with the catchy ‘Mysterious Girl’. A number one album and two number one singles followed.
After a few years out of the limelight, he burst back onto our screens as one of the stars of I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! in January 2004 during which he met the former glamour model Price. The pair married in September 2005, having already had Junior by that time. At first things were good as he enjoyed his time in the spotlight again and a baby daughter, Princess, soon followed. But sadly the marriage ended and initially Andre, like many fathers, wasn’t able to see his children.
“I hadn’t seen the kids for over a week and it was hell. I missed them so much it actually made me ache inside,” he said.
“I spoke to them every day on the phone but it’s not the same as seeing them in person and giving them hugs and kisses. I couldn’t wait to get hold of them and savour every minute.”
Like many of you FQ readers, Andre says becoming a Dad meant massive changes to his life.
“It’s completely changed me, you move from selfish to selfless, you don’t think about yourself as a priority. When your children come first, that’s everything.”
And he already has some ideas about what the kids will do when they grow up. “Oh yes, Junior is definitely an entertainer. Princess is going to be a nun, which I made my mind up about before she was born! Harvey we just want to improve every day.”
Like many other Dads out there Andre relies on his close family for support.
“Support always comes from my mum and dad. My parents are in their late 70s and I am 37 years-old, but even after all these years I still look to them for support.”
Like all you readers, Andre just wants the chance to see them as often as possible. “As long as I’m spending time with them, then I’m happy. Getting to see your children happy and growing up, and re-living your childhood through them is amazing as well. It makes you appreciate your own childhood even more.”
Despite a busy schedule as his career goes from strength to strength he makes sure he achieves the right work/family balance.
“I think your children should be your first priority, you will make anything happen around your children, I am lucky as I have a great management team that works my schedule around my children, enabling me to spend as much time as possible with them.”
And he even has a top ‘Dad’ joke for you! “From 0-10 a dad thinks he knows everything and the child knows nothing. 10-20 the child thinks they know everything and dad knows nothing and after 20 the child wished he listened to his dad!”
Peter’s seventh studio album
‘Accelerate’ is out now to download and in-stores. ‘Accelerate’ retains Peter’s trademark R&B influenced sound whilst injecting new UK hip hop influences into the mix, the top ten album has received rave reviews and has proved a huge hit with fans. Peter’s massive arena tour starts later this month, tickets are now on sale, for more details please visit www.peterandre.com
