Louise Redknapp has revealed that taking part in Strictly Come Dancing has given her a new lease of life.
Speaking to Women’s Health Magazine, Louise admits her involvement in the BBC show was the first time in over a decade she’d done something for herself.
“Doing Strictly was the first time I’d been selfish in 12 years.” Redknapp told the magazine.
“The prospect of putting myself out there was daunting, and the pressure of being a woman and to look a certain way was overwhelming.”
“But…” Redknapp smiles. “I loved it.”
Louise first found fame back in 1993 as part of British girl band Eternal.
Famous for their slick dance routines, urban style and R&B anthems, the girls debut album ‘Always & Forever’ went on to sell over 1.2 million copies in the UK.
Louise left the band in 1995 and went on to launch a hugely successful solo career.
Famous for hits such as ‘Naked’, ‘Light of My Life’, ‘2 Faced’ and ‘Arms Around The World’, Louise released 3 solo albums and sold over 15 million records.
In 1998 Louise married footballer Jamie Redknapp.
The couple became parents to sons Charlie in 2004, and Beau in 2009.
It was after the birth of her first son that, Louise says, she put her music career and dreams to one side to raise her children.
“Something has to give somewhere, and I think it was me that gave.” Louise tells Women’s Health.
“You get comfortable and you stop chasing the dream a little bit.”
Louise admits though, she has no regrets at turning her back on the music industry and becoming a stay at home Mum.
“I wouldn’t give up that time for all the money in the world.”
Taking part in Strictly however, has ignited her love of performing and being on stage.
“The show gave me back my self belief. I’d love to sing again, I’d love to have got into musicals.”
Louise appears in the May issue of Women’s Health magazine out this week.
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