Louise Redknapp is starring in the West End production of 9 to 5 The Musical, playing the feminist character Violet. The role marks a departure for the former Eternal star, who spent 19 years as a housewife to footballer Jamie Redknapp before walking out of the marriage in 2017.
Redknapp, 44, says the show's themes of female empowerment resonate with her. 'I think I'm at a stage of my life when I really need that, to stand up and be strong,' she told the Guardian. She also noted that she never experienced sexual harassment in her 90s pop career, attributing it to her youth and the protection of her record company.
The singer, who quit her solo career after having her first child in 2004, is now releasing her first album in 18 years, Heavy Love, in October. She describes the divorce from Jamie Redknapp as 'more mutual than that' but acknowledges she moved out. The split has motivated her professionally.
Redknapp reflects on her past as a footballer's wife, saying she kept to herself because her husband 'didn't want any of that' circus. Now, she is embracing a new chapter, surrounded by her 'gang of girlfriends' and performing nightly.
