Louise Redknapp focusing on her career and sons rather than romance: ‘If I ever meet anybody I’ll be the first to talk about it’

Louise Redknapp feels ‘very lucky’ to be so close to her two boys (Picture: Rex/ Metro.co.uk)

Singer Louise Redknapp, 46, on putting her boys and career before romance, whether Eternal will ever reunite, and her role in 9 to 5.

You’re touring in 9 To 5 The Musical. How does it feel to be back after Covid shut down theatres?

It’s been a mad old time. The pandemic changed the way I view things so much and made me really appreciate some of the amazing things I get to do, so when they asked if I’d be interested in coming back for a bit I said, ‘absolutely’.

I was in it on the West End before the pandemic, so I know the role. The show is so uplifting and so much fun that I couldn’t really ask for a better job to dust the cobwebs off.

Did you practise any of the songs during lockdown?

I didn’t walk round the kitchen singing 9 To 5. The kids might have had something to say about that!

What’s the story of 9 To 5?

It was a 1980 film, starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin, about three women struggling with either their partners or their boss.

I play Lily’s character, Violet Newstead, who lost her husband. It’s about how they unite and stand up to their boss.

Louise stars in the stage version of the iconic Dolly Parton film (Picture: Moviestore/REX/Shutterstock)

So the show has a serious message?

It’s really good fun and you can take away from it what you want. You can take away singing Dolly’s songs for two hours but also it touches on some quite important matters, so you can take away a bit more of a story about sexism in the workplace and being equal. It covers subjects that are still relevant today.

What will you miss the most while you’re away on tour?

My boys and my dogs but I’m lucky that some of the theatres are near enough for me to jump in the car after the show and come home at night.

It’s nice being there in the morning, doing the school run and being in charge of making sure everything is in order.

Jamie [ex-husband Jamie Redknapp] and I will co-parent as always and when I’m doing theatre my mum moves in so there’s always someone in the house. But the oldest one is 17. He’s so big he’s like a man and he’s got a car.

Does it feel weird to have a grown-up son?

It does! I forget sometimes and then he walks in the room and I go, ‘Oh, that’s my baby!’ But I have to say he’s one of my best friends. I have an amazing relationship with him.

As well as being mother and son we’re really good friends as well, which is lovely. Both my boys are great. I’m very lucky.

Some people fall out with their exes when they separate…

I have two children with Jamie and they are the most important thing in my life. I can’t tell you how much I adore my boys.

Their happiness is key and we do everything right by them.

Jamie has a new partner and they’re expecting a baby. Can you imagine meeting someone?

I feel like everyone is waiting — asking, ‘When is she going to meet someone? When is she going to date someone?’ To be completely honest, after the pandemic, I actually really want to concentrate on my career.

I know that’s a cliché and it sounds like I’m dodging the question but I’m honestly not.

If I ever meet anybody I’ll be the first to talk about it, I don’t want to hide anything from anyone.

But right now my focus is the boys and really giving myself a shot at what I love doing.

Jamie Redknapp and his girlfriend Friday Andersson are having a baby (Picture: Instagram)

Are either of your sons following in your footsteps?

My little one plays football for Chelsea, which is amazing and the other one loves rugby.

Both love their sports and music, but right now sport is taking priority, I’m not going to lie. I can’t get anyone to do singing lessons!

Have you kept up the dancing after competing on Strictly?

I sometimes go dancing with Rob Rinder. We go to a dance cardio studio and have the best time. We both stand there and laugh our socks off!

What did you do in lockdown?

I was at home with the kids and we had loads of amazing quality time together. I did a socially distanced gig after the first lockdown and I’ve also been writing for the new album, which hopefully will come out next year.

Louise is happy focusing on her sons, including eldest Charley (Picture: Instagram/@louiseredknapp)

Could there be an Eternal reunion?

I don’t know but it definitely wouldn’t be a ‘no’ from me. I speak to Kéllé [Bryan] all the time and occasionally to the other girls, so maybe one day. We haven’t got any plans but I’d never say never.

I was really proud to be a part of Eternal — they were an amazingly credible band — and it would be great to have the opportunity to sing with them again, of course.

Tell us about your memoir You’ve Got This: And Other Things I Wish I Had Known that came out earlier this year…

I was as honest about the way I felt but it was never about slagging anyone off. It was just about the trials and tribulations of having kids and getting older and finding your path again.

9to5themusical.co.uk

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