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.
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’.”
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.”
