Katie Price: From Model to Media Icon

Katie Price, formerly known as Jordan, is a British media personality, model, businesswoman, and author who has been a prominent figure in the UK entertainment industry for over two decades. Her career began in her teenage years, and her early experiences shaped her trajectory into the public eye. This article delves into Katie Price’s young life, exploring her entry into modeling, the early stages of her career, and the factors that contributed to her rise to fame.   

Early Life and Background: Pre-Fame Katie

Born Katrina Amy Alexandra Alexis Infield in Brighton, East Sussex, England, on May 22, 1978, Katie Price’s early life was relatively ordinary before her entry into the world of modeling. Her parents, Amy Charlier and Ray Infield, separated when she was four years old. Her mother later remarried Paul Price, from whom Katie took her surname. This early family dynamic played a role in shaping her personal life and subsequent public persona. Growing up in Brighton, she attended Blatchington Mill School. Even in her school years, she displayed an interest in fashion and beauty, setting the stage for her future career.   

The Start of Her Modeling Career: Becoming Jordan

Katie Price’s modeling career began at the age of 17 when she was persuaded by a friend to pursue professional photos. This initial foray into the industry proved to be a pivotal moment in her life. She adopted the stage name “Jordan” to distinguish herself in the competitive modeling world. This name quickly became synonymous with her image and brand during the early years of her career. The decision to use a stage name was a strategic move, allowing her to create a distinct public persona.

Early Modeling Work: Page 3 and Beyond

Price’s early modeling work primarily focused on glamour modeling, most notably appearing as a Page 3 girl in various British tabloids. This exposure provided her with significant media attention and helped establish her as a recognizable face. Page 3, a controversial feature in British newspapers, was a significant platform for aspiring models at the time, offering widespread visibility. Price’s appearances on Page 3 were instrumental in launching her career and building her initial fanbase.   

Beyond Page 3, Price also worked as a promotional model for various brands and events. This diversified her portfolio and broadened her exposure to different audiences. Her striking looks and confident demeanor made her a sought-after model for promotional work, further solidifying her presence in the public eye.

Building the “Jordan” Persona: A Calculated Move

From the outset, Katie Price, as Jordan, cultivated a specific public persona. This persona was characterized by glamour, confidence, and a willingness to embrace her sexuality. This calculated move was key to her success, creating a distinct brand that resonated with a particular audience. The “Jordan” persona was carefully crafted to capture attention and generate media interest.

Media Attention and Growing Popularity

Price’s appearances in tabloids and her carefully crafted persona generated significant media attention. She quickly became a popular subject for gossip columns and celebrity magazines, further fueling her rise to fame. The media’s fascination with her personal life and her bold public image contributed to her growing popularity. This constant media attention helped solidify her status as a public figure.   

Transitioning from Modeling to Media Personality

While modeling was her initial entry point into the public eye, Katie Price successfully transitioned into a broader media personality. She began appearing on television shows, participating in reality TV programs, and developing other business ventures. This strategic shift allowed her to extend her career beyond modeling and establish herself as a multifaceted entertainer.   

Early Television Appearances and Reality TV

Price’s early television appearances included guest spots on various shows and her own reality TV series. These appearances allowed her to showcase her personality and connect with audiences on a more personal level. Her participation in reality TV, in particular, proved to be a highly effective way to build her fanbase and maintain public interest.   

The Impact of “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!”

One of the most significant moments in Katie Price’s early career was her appearance on the reality TV show “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!” in 2004. This appearance catapulted her to even greater fame and solidified her status as a household name. The show’s format, which involved celebrities living in a jungle environment and competing in various challenges, provided ample opportunity for Price to showcase her personality and connect with viewers. It was during this show that she met Peter Andre, who would later become her husband.   

The Relationship with Peter Andre: A Media Frenzy

Katie Price’s relationship with Peter Andre, which began on “I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!”, became a major focus of media attention. Their romance, marriage, and subsequent family life were extensively covered by tabloids and celebrity magazines. This intense media scrutiny further amplified Price’s fame and solidified her position as a prominent figure in the British media landscape.   

Early Business Ventures and Brand Building

Alongside her media appearances, Katie Price also began developing various business ventures, including clothing lines, perfumes, and books. This entrepreneurial approach helped her build a strong brand and establish herself as a successful businesswoman. Her ability to capitalize on her fame and create a diverse portfolio of business interests has been a key factor in her long-lasting career.   

The Impact of Early Fame on Her Life

Katie Price’s early entry into the public eye had a profound impact on her life. She has spent the majority of her adult life under constant media scrutiny, with her personal life often becoming a subject of public discussion. This has undoubtedly presented numerous challenges, but it has also contributed to her resilience and adaptability. 

The Evolution of Her Public Image

Over the years, Katie Price’s public image has evolved significantly. From the glamour model “Jordan” to the multifaceted media personality and businesswoman, she has consistently reinvented herself and adapted to changing trends in the entertainment industry. This ability to evolve and remain relevant has been a key factor in her long and successful career.   

FAQs

Who is Katie Price?

Katie Price, born Katrina Amy Alexandra Alexis Infield in 1978, is a British television personality, model, and entrepreneur. She rose to fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a glamour model, known initially for her appearances in “The Sun” newspaper’s Page 3.

What was Katie Price’s childhood like?

Katie grew up in Brighton, England. Her early life was marked by a love for animals, particularly horses, and she was described as a lively and ambitious child. Her parents, Ray and Amy Price, were supportive of her ambitions, though her mother struggled with health issues.

When did Katie Price begin her career in modeling?

Katie Price began her career in modeling at the age of 18 when she signed with a modeling agency. Her big break came when she appeared in The Sun as a Page 3 girl in 1996, quickly making a name for herself in the world of glamour modeling.

In summary

Katie Price’s journey from a teenage model to a media icon is a testament to her ambition, adaptability, and business acumen. Her early experiences in the modeling world, particularly her Page 3 appearances, provided her with the initial platform for fame. However, it was her strategic transition into television, reality TV, and business ventures that solidified her status as a prominent figure in British media. 

The intense media attention surrounding her personal life, particularly her relationship with Peter Andre, further amplified her fame. While her career has been marked by both successes and controversies, there is no denying the lasting impact she has had on the UK entertainment industry. Her story serves as a case study in the dynamics of celebrity culture, the power of branding, and the challenges of living life in the public eye.   

To read more, Click here