KATE GOSSELIN’s image has taken a beating since her reality TV glory days – but she’s hoping she can turn things around on Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice.”
The infamous mom of eight knows that people don’t like her, and a source says she realizes this might be her last chance to change their minds.
The former star of “Jon & Kate Plus 8” and then “Kate Plus 8” saw her popularity decline as her marriage to hubby Jon crumbled – and it sank even further after her recent appearance on the “Today” show.
During a cringe-worthy interview with Savannah Guthrie on Jan. 16, Kate appeared angry with her 13-year-old twin daughters, Cara and Mady, when they clammed up and refused to answer Savannah’s questions. Kate was heavily criticized for the way she handled the situation, gruffly telling one of the girls: “It’s your chance… spit it out!”
“Kate looked like a mean, controlling mom and did more damage than good,” noted an insider. “She needs to use ‘Celebrity Apprentice’ to rehab the way viewers see her.”
But an “Apprentice” appearance could backfire on Kate. The divorced 38-year-old is a contestant on the 14th season of hit NBC program with a slew of other strong-willed celebrities, including Brandi Glanville of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” Kenya Moore of “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and veteran journalist Geraldo Rivera.
“Kate is looking for redemption,” said the source. “But ‘Apprentice’ producers encourage drama and conflict, and if Kate loses her cool or has a mega meltdown, she’ll just be making her situation worse.”