Frankie Bridge hints at possible Saturdays reunion as she talks about close bond

21 January 2024 , 07:00

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Frankie Bridge, husband Wayne and the kids are off on an incredible holiday

One look at Frankie Bridge’s Instagram account and you’d be forgiven for thinking her life is a whirl of perfectly coordinated outfits and non-stop glamour.

But when we catch up with the mum-of-two, she tells us that the reality is very different. Instead of parties and premieres, she spends most of her time at football pitches in leggings and a hoodie. We’re talking to Frankie, 35, ahead of a family skiing trip with her husband of nine years, Wayne, 43, and their sons, Parker, 10, and Carter, eight.

And as much as she loves keeping fit, the former Saturdays singer claims her exercise routine is “non-existent at the minute”, joking that “skiing is probably going to kill me”. But it isn’t laziness that’s kept the Loose Women panellist from going to the gym – it’s her blossoming acting career.

As much as she loves keeping fit, the former Saturdays singer claims her exercise routine is “non-existent at the minute” (RWL PLEASE CONTACT [email protected] TO AREE FEES)

Frankie has hinted at a Saturday's reunion (ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

The star, who made her West End debut last August in 2:22 A Ghost Story, says, “I was in a good routine before I did the play, but it completely threw everything off and I’ve really struggled to get back into a routine since then. I’m someone who has to train in the morning. If it doesn’t happen in the morning, then it’s not going to happen. And I’m lucky enough to have a gym at home, so I do weights.”

While she’s struggling to get back into training, the same certainly can’t be said for her boys who are, Frankie says, “really sporty” and obsessed with football. But despite their dad being a former Manchester City player, Frankie says their interest hasn’t come from him.

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“Although Wayne played football, he’s not someone who watches it all the time, so it’s not on in the house,” she tells us. Their shared love of football aside, Frankie tells us her boys are poles apart – especially when it comes to eating habits. “I have two very different children,” she says. “I have one loves fruit and veg and then one who would eat beige foods and chocolate every day if I let him!”

Frankie admits she was also a “fussy eater” as a kid, but puts less pressure on herself than she used to when it comes to her body image. “I think it’s something that’s always going to be in the back of my mind. I’ve always been that way inclined,” she says. “I think especially with what I do as a job, you are more self-aware. But I genuinely am better with it now. Looking after myself is not just about working out or eating right. It’s making sure I’m ticking off all the boxes that bring me joy throughout my day.”

There could be a Saturday's comeback on the cards (Corbis via Getty Images)

She continues, “I think for people that have a lot of self-image issues, some of that comes down to control and feeling like you’ve got all your ducks in a row. It’s not always just about going to the gym.” Frankie has spoken about her struggles with depression and anxiety and has written two books, Grow and Open, on the subject. Talking to us today, she says learning more about these conditions has helped her cope.

“I’ve been open about the fact I have therapy and medication and things like that,” she says. “When I was younger, I thought, ‘I’m just this unhappy, anxious person and that’s who I am.’ When you understand that it’s a medical thing, it makes you feel like you’re not just crazy.”

It’s clear that Frankie is in a good place both personally and professionally, and aside from being an ambassador for Braun and having launched her email newsletter FAVES – where she shares her favourite products every week – the star tells us she’s also keen to do more acting.

“I want to try something on camera to see if there’s a preference or not,” she says. “So I’ll be auditioning for things and see what happens.” In terms of her dream role, she says she’s “desperate” to do a period drama like Bridgerton, if only for the incredible wardrobe. “I would love to be wearing something like that!” she says.

Now that Girls Aloud have just got back together, everyone is wondering if The Saturdays will do the same. As the girls are still close, it could happen. “We’re all on a group chat,” she says. “We’re always up to date with what we’re all doing.” Before we let Frankie go and finish her packing, we want to ask her about one more thing, which is her work with Braun, specifically the Braun IPL Silk expert Pro 5 and why she favours it over salon-based laser hair removal treatments.

“I love it because I actually do it at home,” she tells us. “And I don’t find it painful, like I do at the salon. I was really shocked at how little it hurts. That’s a bit of a game changer for me.” The star, who uses it on her armpits, legs and bikini line, adds, “I do it once a week. It’s made a big difference.” And with that, Frankie’s off to finish her holiday prep…

Rhona Mercer