Jamie Redknapp made a rare admission about life after his split from Louise Redknapp and how their two sons really reacted to him becoming a father again
Jamie Redknapp says the eldest son he shares with ex-wife Louise Redknapp didn’t take to his baby news very well at first. The football pundit and his wife Frida Andersson welcomed their first child together back in November 2021, shortly after they tied the knot.
His romance with the Swedish mode, who also has four children from a previous relationship, began following his split from Louise after 19 years of marriage in 2017.
Following their separation, Jamie rarely spoke about the breakup and chose to keep personal details out of his book released in 2020.
Now, in a rare insight into life after divorce, Jamie, 52, has shared how his sons Charley, 21, and Beau, 16, truly felt about him moving on and having another baby.
Asked about becoming a father again in his late 40s on The Romesh Ranganathan Show, the son of Harry Redknapp said he’s “a bit more relaxed” than he used to be.
Discussing the “most difficult part” of having another child however, he revealed: “It was actually telling the kids that they were going to have a younger brother.
“It didn’t go down that well with Charley, I’ve got to be honest. I went to pick him up at school and tell him Frida was pregnant [and] it went down like a lead balloon, if I’m honest.”
Addressing Charley’s reaction, he added: “I got it, I totally understood it because his world has been turned upside down — you’re married, everything feels straightforward, and then you meet someone else and you get married again.”
Jamie went on to say that while he felt his heart was “so big” at the time, he understood that “nothing was going to change from Charley and Beau’s aspect.”
After taking the time they needed to adjust, the boys have since embraced being big brothers to Raphael, who turns four next month.
Back in July, Jamie shared just how proud he was of Charley in an emotional Instagram post to mark his 21st birthday.
As part of the post, he wrote: “You’re also the best big brother — the way you are with Rapha and Beau melts my heart.
“Such a great role model; they’re so lucky to have you. Now that you’re 21, I’m hoping you’ll finally start beating me at golf… but I won’t make it easy! Can’t wait for a few days on the course together.”
Louise also celebrated her eldest by posting a photo montage from his 21 years.
On her Instagram page, she wrote: “Chaz, I’m so proud of the charming young man you’ve become. You’ve been my partner in crime since day one, and nothing makes me happier than seeing you live your best life.
“You have an incredible future ahead – keep working hard and smashing it.”
As for her love life, the singer has been in a relationship with businessman Drew Michael since 2023, but unlike Jamie, she has no plans to marry again just yet.
Recently gushing over their romance, she told The Sun: “I was very guarded and scared. But I’m really enjoying having special times with someone. He’s a great guy and super-kind.”
Asked if wedding bells are on the horizon she added: ‘Oh, I’m not even thinking that far ahead. I’m not even going there.
“I just want to be proud of this and I want to really enjoy it. I’ve met a really great guy and I’m really happy. But you never know what the future holds.”