Katie Price is ‘refusing to divorce Kieran Hayler to spite his girlfriend after restraining order drama’

KATIE Price is refusing to divorce husband Kieran Hayler to spite his girlfriend, it's been claimed.

Despite the mum-of-five recently hinting at her desire to get hitched for a fourth time, sources close to the star say she's not moving forward with proceedings in order to "keep control".

The former glamour model was slapped with a restraining order in June after launching a foul-mouthed tirade against Kieran's partner Michelle Pentecost in a school playground.

Kieran and Michelle have been together over a year and Katie’s refusal to finalise things is said to be stopping the pair from making future plans together.

Pals are even speculating that Michelle, who has said she is ready to have children with Kieran, may already be pregnant.

The source told The Sun Online: "Katie is doing this to exercise her control over Kieran and it is a vendetta against Michelle for her taking her to court and winning.

"Katie needs to let go of the past and move on with Kris, or whoever…"

They added: "Kieran wants to be Katie’s ex. He isn’t Mr Price and hates being referred to as that.

"Naturally he wants his own identity back."

Katie and Kieran wed in January 2013 and share two children, Bunny, 5, and six-year-old Jett.

They split in early 2018 following numerous allegations of cheating.

This Christmas will be their second holiday season in which they are still legally married despite splitting up.

Kieran and Michelle started dating last summer after meeting at the school gates.

Meanwhile, after an off-and-on relationship, Katie has told mates she thinks toyboy Kris Boyson is the only man to have truly cared about her since first husband Peter Andre.

Katie is said to be keen to settle down again after a hell-raising year which sparked fears for her well-being.

Her behaviour spiralled out of control during the summer, when she cheated on Kris with builder Charles Drury.

But Kris has forgiven Katie and is also believed to be open to the idea of tying the knot.

A source told The Sun Online: "Katie knows she put Kris through a lot but he has always been there for her and is willing to leave the past in the past.

"She has been telling her mates that she knows deep down Kris is the only bloke to have truly cared about her since she was married to Peter.

"He is also brilliant with the kids, which is one of the things that Katie loves the most about him. They adore him and that is very important to Katie."

The Sun has contacted Katie's reps for comment.