Louise Redknapp married into a famous football family back in the 90s, bagging former England manager Harry Redknapp as a father-in-law.
Over the years, Harry, 73, has spoken out about his son’s marriage, both before and after their shocking split.
Jamie Redknapp, 46, and Louise, 45, who tied the knot in 1998, announced they were parting ways in December 2017, after nearly two decades of marriage.
The relationship gave Harry two beloved grandchildren – Charles, 15, and Beau, 11.
Below, we take a look at everything Harry has said about Louise over the years, from singing her praises to mulling over the downfall of their marriage.
Divorce jokes
Louise starred on Strictly Come Dancing a year before the couple announced their separation (Image: BBC/Guy Levy)
Last month, Harry made light of his son’s failed marriage during an appearance on Sky One’s Redknapp’s Home Fixture.
It all kicked off when Jamie suggested he might take part in Strictly Come Dancing – even though Louise had appeared on the same show months prior to their separation.
Taking a playful swipe at his son, Harry quipped: “One thing’s for sure Jamie, you won’t be getting divorced if you go on there.”
Former Strictly star Alex Scott, who also appeared on the Sky One show, tried her best to hold back her laughter after hearing the cheeky remark.
Laughing himself, Jamie replied: “Keep it light dad.”
‘Choked’ by the split
Harry admitted that “no-one knows what goes on behind closed doors” when it came to their relationship (Image: Daily Record)
To the rest of the world, Jamie and Louise appeared a hugely successful celebrity couple – which meant their split came as a nasty shock to many.
Speaking to The Mirror in June 2019, Harry revealed he was equally blindsided by the news, as he hoped they “were getting married forever”.
Recalling hearing the announcement, he said: “I was choked. Absolutely. I just never ever ever could see that happening. I thought they were getting married forever. They were such a lovely couple together.
Harry revealed news of Jamie and Louise’s split left him in shock (Image: Sky 1)
“It came completely as a shock, out of the blue. They were not a showbiz marriage if you like. Lou just did not want to be anywhere without Jamie. They were very very down to earth the pair of them. And yeah me and Sandra it was a shock when it happened. Very sad.”
Branding the situation as “sad” the Harry’s Heroes star added that “no-one knows what goes on behind closed doors”.
He said: “Lou was happiest when she was with the kids, Jamie, the kids and the dogs. That was their life really. Walking the dogs, going with the kids everywhere.”
Hinting at compatibility
During the interview, Harry reflected on his marriage to Sandra Redknapp (Image: ITV)
Piers Morgan gave Harry a grilling during a Good Morning Britain interview in January 2019, as he inquired about Jamie and Louise’s split.
Comparing their relationship to Harry’s own marriage, the GMB host asked: “In this day and age – you’ve had it with our own son as well. Marriages break up a lot these days, you have been very successful.
“I know Jamie and Louise, I like them both very much. But is there a problem, do you think, with younger people these days? I’m not talking about your personal family experience. But generally, do you think that people generally don’t stick it out enough these days?”
Reflecting on his marriage to Sandra Redknapp, which has stood the test of time over 53 years, Harry called compatibility into question.
He said: “I don’t know, it depends. If they’re not compatible it’s a problem but we’ve not had that so I couldn’t be an expert on that.
“We’ve never ever looked like we were splitting up.”
Louise’s private life
Harry said he was delighted when Jamie and Louise tied the knot (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Harry had nothing but kind words for his daughter-in-law Louise when he wrote his 1998 memoir, simply titled Harry Redknapp: My Autobiography.
Comparing Louise to her sultry onstage persona, Harry claimed she was far more “shy” in real life.
He said: “Songstress Louise, who married Jamie in Bermuda in July 1998, is the most down-to-earth girl you could hope to meet.
“She may be a pop-star temptress to the youngsters who read those laddish magazines but to me she’s just a lovely girl who’s married to my youngest son.
Harry claimed Louise was completely different to her onstage persona in person (Image: Press Association)
“Louise, who made it big with chart-toppers Eternal before becoming a major pop star in her own right, is the least showbizzy person you could imagine.”
The I’m A Celeb champion confessed he was delighted when Jamie and Louise walked down the aisle, giving their relationship the seal of approval.
He said: “She’s so quiet and shy away from the spotlight that I can’t believe she has the front to go live on stage in front of thousands of people.
“I see her in those glamorous videos for her latest record and find it impossible to reconcile the sexy image I see on screen with the Louise who comes to my home with Jamie for Sunday dinner.
“Jamie and her make a lovely couple, so Sandra and I were thrilled when the two of them got married. Jamie couldn’t have met a nicer girl. She’s a very caring person.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
