Louise Redknapp has revealed she walked out on her 19 year marriage because it was easier than telling 'traditional' husband Jamie she wanted to return to work.
After giving up her pop career to live the life of a Surrey housewife with Jamie and their sons Charley, 14, and Beau, 10, Louise stunned fans in 2017 by announcing plans to divorce her sports commentator husband.
It came a year after Louise returned to the spotlight as a contestant on BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing .
Speaking to the Guardian , Louise said the show 'put the fire back in my belly' and made her realise she wanted to do more than be a stay at home mum.
Recalling how she gave up her showbiz career to be a wife and mother, 44-year-old Louise admitted she felt 'pure panic' when her sons grew up.
"I was lonely and felt like I had nothing to say," she revealed.
But Louise said she felt she couldn't express her worries to 'family man' Jamie and opted to leave the marriage to find her voice instead.
"We women don't make it easy for ourselves," she explained.
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After her successful stint on Strictly in 2016, Louise went back to her music roots and commenced a solo tour.
Her success has since snowballed with her securing the lead role in touring musical Cabaret and now West End show 9 to 5 alongside Amber Davies.
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She's also purchased her own solo pad minutes away from her former family home, where Jamie still lives with the children.
The amicable pair share custody of Charley and Beau and Louise admits the thought of changing surnames after the divorce 'fills her with tears.'
So for now she will be remaining a Redknapp - unless Jamie marries again, she adds.
