PICTURE EXCLUSIVE: Kerry Katona steps out with former Real Housewives Of Cheshire star Ampika Pickston after hinting she is joining the cast of hit show following 'axe' from Atomic Kitten

• e-mail

She recently revealed that she has moved in with former Real Housewives of Cheshire star Ampika Pickston, just days after her alleged dismissal from Atomic Kitten.

And Kerry Katona was joined by the TV personality as she stepped out on Wednesday afternoon, adding credence to claims that she may well be joining the cast of the popular ITVBe show.

The singer, 37, was in high spirits as she left a Cheshire fitness studio with Ampika, who is reportedly returning to Real Housewives after quitting earlier this year.

Scroll down for video 

Here they come: Kerry Katona was joined by TV personality Ampika Pickston as she stepped out on Wednesday afternoon, adding credence to claims that she may well be joining the cast of Real Housewives of Cheshire

Dressed appropriately in a black vest and matching leggings, Kerry flashed a beaming smile as they pair made their way towards a waiting car. 

Conventional running shoes added to her look, while a simple headband kept her hair out of her eyes following a gym session with her new housemate. 

Walking by her side, Ampika looked equally sporty in a busty pink crop top that served to showcase her toned physique, while cropped gym leggings drew further attention to her figure. 

Side by side: The singer, 37, was in high spirits as she left a Cheshire fitness studio with Ampika, who is reportedly returning to Real Housewives after quitting earlier this year

Let's get physical: Dressed appropriately in a black vest and matching leggings, Kerry flashed a beaming smile as they pair made their way towards a waiting car

Plenty to smile about: The singer appeared to be untroubled by claims that she has been axed from Atomic Kitten 

Their appearance comes just hours after Kerry posted a beaming selfie on her Instagram account with the shock announcement she had moved in with the brunette - who is widely rumoured to be returning to the show.

Captioning the shot, she wrote: 'Good morning you beautiful people!!

'Ready for the next chapter in my life with the help from my Guardian angel who I have just moved in with @ampikapickston1 Home from Home!'  

Getting stronger: Kerry flexed her muscles after leaving the gym with her TV personality pal 

Upbeat: The two friends shared  a laugh as they made their way across a car park following their joint appearance at a local fitness studio 

Eye-catching: Ampika looked sporty in a busty pink crop top that served to showcase her toned physique

Finishing touches: Conventional running shoes added to Kerry's look, while a simple headband kept her hair out of her eyes

Happy news? The pair appeared to be thrilled as they exited the Cheshire gym in their workout gear 

I've got you: The singer grabbed Ampika's arm as they prepared for the journey home on Wednesday afternoon 

Sporty: Cropped gym leggings drew further attention to the former Real Housewives of Cheshire star's figure

The star - who raises children Molly, Lilly-Sue with her ex-husband Brian McFadden, Max and Heidi with second spouse Mark Croft and Dylan-Jorge with estranged husband George Kay - was met with an influx of queries from fans.

One fan enthused: 'Omg I b****y love you and ampika - this is got to be true about you joining [the cast]'. 

A second follower posted: 'Pleeease say you're joining the housewives, you would be brilliant and bring @ampikapickston1 back with you xx'.

Plenty to look forward to: Ampika may well be returning to real Housewives, with Kerry potentially joining her 

Say cheese: The TV personality beamed for onlookers during her outing with Kerry on Wednesday 

Drive my car: The pair idled next their car as they readied themselves for their departure 

Thirsty work: Ampika stayed hydrated by drinking a bottle of mineral water as Kerry looked on 

Pals: Kerry has reportedly moved in with the TV personality following her alleged departure from Atomic Kitten 

Toned and trim: Kerry revealed a flat tummy as she chatted with her pal ahead of their journey home 

Another shared: 'Glad everything is,working out for you kerry regardless of the kittens scenario.... onwards and upwards xxxx'.

Last week, rumours first surfaced that Kerry would be joining the Real Housewives Of Cheshire for a Christmas special cameo - supposedly a stepping stone to joining the cast full-time.

Ampika, who was one of the original stars of the show, quit after five seasons but is thought to be making a comeback in early 2018.

Bouncing back: Kerry previously hinted she might have a new venture lined up, mere days after being 'axed' from Atomic Kitten

'Home from home': Kerry sparked fan speculation with her caption, revealing she had moved in with former Housewife Ampika Pickston, who is widely rumoured to be rejoining the cast next year 

Joining forces? Ampika, who was one of the original stars of the show, quit after five seasons but is thought to be making a comeback in early 2018

Fan speculation: The star's followers were quick to query whether she was joining the show's cast following recent reports 

A source previously told The Sun: 'Kerry’s private life is as dramatic as an episode of Real Housewives of Cheshire, so she’ll fit right in.

'She used to live in the area so there’s no reason why she couldn’t be part of the Cheshire set.'

'The plan is a cameo with Kerry being seen there cooking on Christmas Day – but who knows where it may lead.'

The rumours come after it was claimed that Kerry had left Atomic Kitten again after she insulted fellow member Natasha Hamilton and called her a 'toxic c***' while intoxicated on stage.

Gone: Kerry recently took to Instagram to confirm that she has left Atomic Kitten for the second time, saying she was 'gutted' not to be a member of the chart-topping trio anymore, following allegations she called band mate Natasha Hamilton a 'toxic c***' on stage

She then took to Instagram to confirm that she has left the band for the second time, saying she was 'gutted' not to be a member of the chart-topping trio anymore.

The star posted a message to her 109,000 followers writing: 'Gutted that I am no longer apart of Atomic Kitten!! Wish the girls all the love and happiness in the world!!' (sic) followed crying emojis. 

Alongside the photo she wrote: 'Was very proud to be the founder member of AK! Had some amazing times with the kittens! And gutted not to be apart of that no more! I guess I’ll keep to knock knock jokes from now on' (sic) 

According to the Daily Star, the singer - who was replaced by Jenny Frost when she sensationally left in 2001 - was filmed at a Manchester PA last month when she began her profanity laden rant aimed at Natasha.  

Confirmed: Kerry said she was 'gutted' to be out of the band and wished the two remaining members the best

Over: Alluding to a dispute the star said she would 'stick to knock knock jokes' from now on

According to reports, when a judge at the appearance told her to 'lose the ginger' – suggesting Natasha – Kerry answered: 'I’m not being funny, Atomic Kitten – I always saw her as toxic c***.' 

However, Kerry's nasty words allegedly didn't go unnoticed after Natasha and fellow member Liz McClarnon got wind of her bandmate's rant, subsequently telling Kerry she was out of the band at a Butlins gig last weekend following her verbal attack.

Following the performance, concert goers reportedly took to Twitter to share that Kerry announced that it was their final performance together.

'Natasha is adamant that Kerry is out of the band,' an insider told the publication. 'Management are hoping to smooth things over but it's not looking likely.'

They won't be Whole Again: According to the Daily Star , the singer - who was replaced by Jenny Frost when she sensationally left in 2001 - was filmed at a Manchester PA last month when she began her profanity laden rant aim at Natasha

'Natasha is really hurt and angry. Especially because she has supported Kerry through so much in the past.'

According to the paper, Natasha's decision came to light after she watched footage of Kerry's expletive-filled rant with fellow member Liz taking the flame-haired beauty's side in the stand off.

The source added: 'Natasha has ruled out singing with Kerry again. Liz normally stays out of the drama but has sided with Natasha and Kerry has once again found herself out of the band.'

MailOnline have contacted Kerry Katona, Natasha Hamilton and Atomic Kittens' reps for comment.

Furious: According to the paper, Natasha's decision came to light after she watched footage of Kerry's expletive-filled rant with fellow member Liz taking the flame-haired beauty's side in the stand off

The alleged fallout comes as it has been reported Kerry is set to make her reality TV comeback after she was offered a role on Real Housewives of Cheshire.

According to the Sunday Mirror, the singer has been approached by TV bosses and is on the verge of joining the ITVBe cast in 2018. 

The mother-of-five - who recently split from her third husband George Kay - is no stranger to reality television having previously appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and In Therapy. 

Comeback? The alleged fallout comes as it has been reported Kerry is set to make her reality TV comeback after she was offered a role on Real Housewives of Cheshire

In the past: The mother-of-five - who recently split from her third husband George Kay - is no stranger to reality television having previously appeared on Celebrity Big Brother, I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! and In Therapy 

Now focusing on the future, the blonde beauty will make her first appearance on the show while living with friend Ampika Pickston - who quit the show after five series but is reportedly making her explosive comeback in 2018 also.

'Kerry’s private life is as dramatic as an episode of Real Housewives of Cheshire, so she’ll fit right in,' a source told the publication. 'She used to live in the area so there’s no reason why she couldn’t be part of the Cheshire set.

'The plan is a cameo with Kerry being seen there cooking on Christmas Day – but who knows where it may lead.' 

Winner: Kerry won I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2004

Reality check: A reality TV regular, Kerry has appeared in a number of her own reality offerings including 2007's My Fair Kerry - which followed her journey to becoming more ladylike (Pictured in 2005)

Having an ice day! She went on to appear in 2011's Dancing on Ice

A reality TV regular, Kerry has appeared in a number of her own reality offerings including 2005's My Fair Kerry - which followed her journey to becoming more ladylike. 

She then went on to star in more fly-on-the-wall docuseries with MTV including Kerry Katoma: Crazy In Love, Kerry Katona: Whole Again and Kerry Katona: What's The Problem? - which focused on her family life.  

Closing her chapter with MTV, the TV personality released Kerry Katona: Coming Clean and Kerry Katona: The Next Chapter in 2010 on ITV2.

Big Brother's watching! She made a cameo on Channel 5's Celebrity Big Brother in 2011