The estranged husband of former Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona will appear in court charged with assaulting her.

George Kay, 35, was arrested following an alleged bust-up at the couple's home in Crowborough, East Sussex, on October 3.

He was charged by Sussex Police with assault by beating and possessing a banned weapon relating to a Taser-style instrument disguised as a torch.

Former I'm A Celebrity ... Get Me Out of Here! and Celebrity Big Brother contestant Katona, 35, married ex-rugby league player Kay last year.

Since the alleged incident, three-times married Katona announced the couple had split.

In an interview with OK! magazine this month, she said breaking up was "hard", but "the right thing to do".

She said: "George was with me 24/7. It's like somebody has died. He was my best friend."

But she added: "There is no going back with George and me."

Mother-of-five Katona's previous failed marriages had been to Irish former Westlife singer Brian McFadden and Mark Croft.

Labourer Kay, of Hollybank Moore, Warrington, Cheshire, has been bailed to appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court from 2pm.