Kerry Katona in New Year’s party brawl with mother-in-law

Former Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona welcomed 2008 by invoving herself in an ugly brawl at her family New Year's party, it has been revealed.

The singer, 27, held a party for friends and family at her £1.3million Cheshire mansion.

But the mood turned sour following a ruckus between pregnant Kerry and her mother-in-law Marilyn.

The disagreement ended with Kerry demanding that Marilyn leave the party.

The pair allegedly weren't on the best of terms prior to the party - but Kerry was hoping to see in 2008 by patching things up with her mother-in-law.

A friend of Kerry - who was previously married to former Westlife star Brian McFadden, told Britain's Daily Mirror newspaper:  "Kerry hadn't spoken to her husband Mark's mum for ages and it's fair to say that the atmosphere between them isn't the best.

"And things got worse as the evening went on and before long they were having words.

"Marilyn began shouting at her, saying, 'Who do you think you are?' "Kerry was having a go back and then a scuffle broke out."

The whole incident, however, was captured on camera - and you'll be able to see it all on TV - as an MTV camera crew for Kerry's new reality show (due to be aired mid Feb) were conveniently there filming!

But Katona - who left Atomic Kitten in 2001 when she became pregnant, asked them to leave and has begged them to erase the tape.

The source added: "The camera crew couldn't believe their luck. If they don't erase the tape, it will make great TV.

"But poor Kerry was mortified that her party had ended the way it did.

"She just wants to show the public that she's a nice person. And the thing is, none of it was her fault.

"Her family are really important to her and she thought the party was a great opportunity for them all to get together."

Her pal continued: "As you can imagine, Mark is really upset by what's happened as well. He's very close to his mum and wanted them all to get on."

Kerry's rep, Max Clifford said: "Mark's mum started arguing with her family and all Kerry tried to do was stop and defuse the situation.

"She then started on Kerry who said that if she feels that way about her, she should leave the house."

The pal added: "It was the last way she wanted 2008 to start but she's been through worse in the past."