Louise Redknapp not rushing into dating after divorce for sake of her sons

Louise Redknapp performs on stage at The Flackstock Festival in July 2022.
Louise Redknapp said she isn't dating because she wants to focus on her sons. (Getty Images)
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Louise Redknapp has said she hasn't dated since her divorce because she wants to be there for her sons.

The 47-year-old Eternal singer is mother to 18-year-old Charley and 13-year-old Beau with ex-husband Jamie Redknapp, who she split from in 2017 after 19 years of marriage.

Redknapp told Hello! magazine: "I've felt this as a mum and, to say this in the most sort of respectful way, my boys' lives changed dramatically and then it changed again when obviously Jamie got married and had a family.

Read more: Louise Redknapp's mum thought she would get back together with Jamie

"Their life changed and I felt like I needed to be their one staple. That's just something I think a lot of mums would feel."

Jamie Redknapp and Louise Redknapp in 2016.
Jamie Redknapp and Louise Redknapp split in 2017 after 19 years of marriage. (Getty Images)

Footballer-turned-sports-presenter Jamie, 49, married model Frida Andersson, 38, in October 2021 and in November they welcomed their first child, a boy named Raphael.

Redknapp said that she is "not averse to dating" but she's not "trawling through dating sites".

She said: "My boys will be absolutely fine if I'm dating or if I'm going out with anyone, they will be my biggest supporters as long as I'm happy. Like they're like, 'Yeah mum, you should.'

"If Mr. Right, turns up then great and if he doesn't I just carry on doing me. I'm not putting that pressure on myself and I feel that it's really important for women that are out there on their own, and men, that should be able to be enough [without] that pressure of having to be in a couple."

Louise Redknapp dancing with Kevin Clifton on Strictly in 2016.
Louise Redknapp dancing with Kevin Clifton on Strictly in 2016.

The singer's separation was linked to the 'Strictly curse' as she appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2016, reaching the finals with professional dancer Kevin Clifton.

Redknapp said afterwards that competing on the show gave her the courage to walk away from her marriage.

Read more: The Strictly curse: What is it and who has fallen for it?

In 2019 Redknapp said that any man she dates would come below her dogs in terms of priorities.

She said: “'I am single. And anyway, whoever steps in, in the future - if anyone does at all - they will have to understand that they'll be fourth in line. They will have to be okay with being behind my kids, my work, and my dogs!”

Watch: Louise Redknapp starred in musical 9 to 5 in 2019