04 June 2023 , 11:17
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Louise Redknapp has opened up about co-parenting with her football pundit ex seven years after their split.
The 48-year-old and Jamie Redknapp, 49, ended their nineteen year marriage in 2017, months after she reached the finals of Strictly Come Dancing.
But now the dust has settled from 'the Strictly curse', it seems that the former couple have slipped in to a steady routine with their two sons. Charley, 18 and 14-year-old Beau.
Charley is currently studying in Arizona, leaving Beau at home in Surrey with his mum and their two dogs.
Speaking to the Sunday Times, Louise said: “Jamie and I share the after school football pick-ups, and Beau is often at his dad's, so my favourite evenings are when it's just me and Beau.”
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She added that despite her "crap" culinary skills, Beau's favourite dinner is steak, egg and chips - and a side of broccoli.
Louise Redknapp with sons Charley and Beau (louiseredknapp/Instagram)Louise originally found fame with Eternal, selling more than four million copies of their 1993 debut album Always & Forever, before going solo in 1995, and selling over five million records in the UK and 15 million worldwide. She's also had stints presenting prime time TV shows, and was a judge on So You Think You Can Dance.
But while it might seem cool to have a popstar for a mum, it seems her youngest can find it a tad awkward at times - particularly on the school run.
Louise said: "I have strict instructions from him to stay in the car, especially if I’m in flip-flops. The worst-case scenario, which happens surprisingly often, is when one of my songs comes on the radio as we approach the school gates. Beau obviously finds this mortifying and says, 'Just park around the corner. Please.'
Jamie with Charley, baby Raphael, and Beau (Instagram)"I’ve no idea if my boys think I’m a cool mum, but I have a great relationship with both of them and they’re super-supportive of what I do. They don’t say too much because they’re teenagers, but I know they’re proud, which I sometimes hear when they don’t realise I’m in earshot."
Since their split, Jamie has since re-married, tying the knot with model Frida Andersson, 38, in 2021 and welcoming a baby, Raphael, last November.
However, for Louise, her energy at the moment is very much on her boys, and living her best life - when she's not starring as Teen Angel in the new West End production of Grease, a role she took over from Peter Andre.
She added: "People ask me about dating and although I wouldn’t say I ever go out actively looking, I’ve got an open heart for what the future may bring. Right now, though, all of my energy goes into my boys and my job. I speak to Charley, who is at university in Arizona, every day."