Singer Louise Redknapp has revealed that it has taken her a “long time” to feel truly confident in her own skin, as she reflects on her decades in the public eye and the pressures of fame since the 1990s.
The former Eternal member, now 51, recently announced her first solo live tour in almost a decade, marking a major return to the music scene. Speaking during an appearance on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch, she opened up about how her perspective on fame has changed over the years.
Louise was asked to compare life in the spotlight during the 1990s—when she rose to fame with girl group Eternal before launching her solo career—to the present day, where social media plays a major role in celebrity life.
She explained that the biggest difference is the lack of privacy in today’s digital world.
“Back in the 90s you had a lot more privacy—no social media, no comments,” she said. “Now the comments section always freaks me out. I just can’t believe people say stuff.”
The singer admitted she tries to avoid reading online comments about herself, but sometimes finds it difficult to resist.
“I try not to. Now and again it’s like self-harm—you read the first one and think, ‘maybe there’ll be a better one.’ And then I’m like, no!” she said honestly.
Louise went on to reflect on her personal growth, admitting that confidence has come gradually over time.
“I think it’s taken me a long time to get there. I’d say I’ve only really entered into that phase recently,” she shared.
She added that maturity and life experience have helped her care less about public opinion and focus more on what truly matters.
“I think you do find your confidence, and maybe I’m just at an age now where I care a lot less what people think and I know what’s important in life,” she said.
Alongside her music comeback, Louise is preparing to hit the road in 2027 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her debut solo album Naked (1996), as well as her 2025 record Confessions.
On a personal note, she revealed that her two sons—Charlie, 21, and William, 17—whom she shares with ex-husband Jamie Redknapp, are largely unfazed by her return to performing.
“They take absolutely no notice of me. I am just their mum,” she joked during the interview.
She shared a light-hearted moment involving her youngest son, saying he often ignores her calls while travelling, but still reaches out when he needs something.
“He texted me asking if we could go on holiday next week. And I said I’m just about to go on stage,” she laughed.
Despite this, she believes they are quietly proud of her achievements.
“I think secretly they’re proud. They just want me to be happy,” she said.
Louise is currently in a relationship with Drew Michael following her split from Jamie Redknapp in 2017 after 19 years of marriage.
She previously spoke warmly about her partner, saying it took time for her to open up again after her marriage breakdown.
“I was very guarded and scared, but I’m really enjoying having special times with someone,” she said, describing Drew as “a great guy and super-kind.”
When asked about marriage, she remained cautious about the future.
“I’m not even thinking that far ahead. I just want to enjoy what we have,” she said, adding that her sons get along well with him.
She also addressed criticism about their nine-year age gap, brushing off labels such as “toyboy” or “cougar,” saying it has no impact on her.
“Age is irrelevant. I don’t feel older than him,” she said.
Overall, Louise says she is now in a more peaceful and grounded place in life, focusing on happiness, family, and returning to the stage on her own terms.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/
