Louise Redknapp has admitted she has regrets over the way things played out between her and ex-husband Jamie, saying she wishes she’d spoken to him more about how she was “struggling” with her confidence.
In 2017, Louise confirmed that she and footballer Jamie had chosen to end their marriage after 19 years, and were granted a divorce two months later.
Speaking to You magazine about the breakdown of their relationship, Louise revealed she wished she’d been more honest with her ex about how she was feeling towards the end of their marriage.
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Louise Redknapp
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Crediting her stint on Strictly Come Dancing with giving her the confidence to pick up her music career, Louise said: “I don’t blame Jamie. I wish, three years ago, I’d been able to just speak up.
“For a long time it was easy to blame him. But actually, in the past six months, I’ve thought, you know what, it was down to me to say, ‘Something’s not right. My self-esteem is really struggling. I’ve got no passion. I love my kids more than anything in the world. I love what I do, too, and I haven’t quite got the guts to go out and try to do it again’.
“I just didn’t speak up. I don’t blame anyone else for that. I wish I’d just gone, ‘Right, the kids are getting older, and I love my job and I’m going to give it a real go, and Jamie, if you don’t like it, tough. But if you do like it, let’s talk about it’.”
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Louise and Jamie at the Pride Of Britain awards in 2016
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Earlier this week, Louise released her first new material since 2003, unveiling new single Stretch, ahead of a full album later in the year.
Discussing how Strictly “switched a light back on” for her, Louise added: “Who gets a second chance, you know? I just didn’t think it would ever happen for me.
“I am pleased I did Strictly, because without it I think I wouldn’t have had the courage. Any woman who’s hit her 40s will understand that.”
Since taking part in Strictly, Louise has toured the UK as a solo artist, as well as appearing in musical theatre productions of Cabaret and 9 To 5.
Shortly before her stint on the BBC show in 2016, Louise told HuffPost UK: “When I was younger, I went into [the girl band] Eternal, and I grabbed every opportunity, and I’m proud that I did that. I would advise any young people, and any older people, grab opportunities because they might not come along again.”
Celebs Who Handled Their Splits Like A Boss
Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake(01 of11)
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Let's be honest, break-ups can be messy, particularly in the glare of the spotlight, so it's good to see when two celebrities can put their differences aside and still be friends, as Cameron and Justin did - even eventually going on to star in 'Bad Teacher' together. (credit:Jim Spellman via Getty Images)
Harry Styles(02 of11)
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No one is exactly sure what happened between Taylor Swift and Harry Styles, but even after she appeared to mock him during an awards show performance, he's had nothing but good things to say about her and her music in the press.
Whether he's genuinely happy for her, or he's simply killing her with kindness is unclear, but either way, we could all learn a thing or two from Hazza. (credit:Kevin Mazur via Getty Images)
Jennifer Aniston(03 of11)
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And speaking of how to flawlessly handle a break-up... The media coverage surrounding Jennifer Aniston for the decade after her split from Brad Pitt, was often unnecessary, cruel and steeped in sexism.
Through it all, though, she kept her head high, continued working and, more importantly, smiling away, despite what was said about her in the press.
Now she's one of the highest-paid actresses in the world, and is married to her long-time partner, Justin Theroux. (credit:Steve Granitz via Getty Images)
Mariah Carey(04 of11)
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When she and the father of her two children, Nick Cannon, split, Mariah was determined not to give the press the dirt they were craving.
So much so, when approached by a TMZ reporter, Mimi said simply: "Oh, it's much too hot to talk."
Flawless. (credit:Ethan Miller via Getty Images)
Elin Nordegren(05 of11)
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Elin Nordegren - better known as the former Mrs Tiger Woods - is our personal break-up hero.
So, your husband has repeatedly cheated on you and the world's media are talking about it? Whatever.
Elin's attitude throughout the scandal was flawless: head down, sunglasses on ... and just wait for that divorce settlement to roll in. Props to you, Elin. (credit:Orlando Sentinel via Getty Images)
Katy Perry(06 of11)
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However, sometimes it's difficult to pretend you're anything other than hurt. And do you know what? That's OK too.
In showing her vulnerable side in her documentary film, 'Part Of Me', Katy undoubtedly assured a lot of people that it's not about how hard you fall, it's how you get back up again. (credit:JB Lacroix via Getty Images)
Gwyneth Paltrow(07 of11)
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Gwyneth Paltrow hasn't had a bad word to say about Chris Martin ever since they "consciously uncoupled" in 2014, and even spoke favourably about his relationship with Jennifer Lawrence.
Instead, she focused on her own career, her family and friends, and the continuing growth of her site, Goop. Now that's how you tackle a break-up like a boss. (credit:Sonia Moskowitz via Getty Images)
Katie Price(08 of11)
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Perhaps not quite to this extent, but sometimes a night out with your friends can be just the thing to get you through a break-up, as Katie Price proved when she flew to Ibiza, shortly after splitting up from Peter Andre. (credit:Dave Wood via Getty Images)
Jennifer Lopez(09 of11)
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Determined not to let anyone paint her as a victim, J-Lo bounced back from her split with Marc Anthony by getting together with a far younger man.
Nice one, Jen. (credit:Gregg DeGuire via Getty Images)
Perrie Edwards(10 of11)
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Similarly, the world of entertainment journalism seemed determined to paint Perrie Edwards as a victim when she broke up with ex-fiancé Zayn Malik, particularly when he quickly got together with Gigi Hadid.
How did she respond to that? With independence anthem 'Shout Out To My Ex', which quickly topped the UK singles chart, and bagged Little Mix their first ever Brit Award. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Adele(11 of11)
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And then, of course, there's Adele, who managed to turn her disastrous break-up to her advantage and bag herself a wheelbarrow of Grammys, which we have all the admiration in the world for.
What was it Beyoncé said about 'lemons' and 'lemonade' again..? (credit:Steve Granitz via Getty Images)