Louise split after ‘finding her wings’ on Strictly, says dancer Karen

LOUISE Redknapp separated from her husband Jamie after ‘expanding her wings’ on Strictly Come Dancing, show professional Karen Clifton has claimed.

Various sources have said the couple have ended their 19-year marriage after the former girlband star, 42, ‘grew in confidence and spread her wings’ while appearing on the BBC show late last year.

Dancer Karen, 35, who is married to Louise’s dance partner Kevin, said the Eternal star was ‘reinventing’ herself after the show after years of being a stay-at-home mother.

Karen worked with Louise during her stint on Strictly last year – a career turn many sources have deemed a breaking point in their marriage after Louise ‘found her mojo’ after becoming close friends with fellow Strictly star Daisy Lowe, both pictured. Aged 28, Daisy is 14 years younger than her friend.

Karen claimed Louise’s newfound lease for life, which has been deemed a midlife crisis from a previous source, caused their split. She said: ‘On the show Louise grew in confidence and you could see her wings expanding. It was great because she’s been a stay-at-home mum and sometimes you can forget about yourself.

‘Now she’s giving herself a little bit more attention and she’s taking care of herself, which is lovely.

‘She’s re-inventing herself. She’s a gorgeous woman and he’s a lovely man and I just feel really bad that they’ve separated.’

Last week, it was reported Louise had ‘thrown away the rule book’ and was enjoying hanging out with ‘fun and carefree’ new best friend Daisy. Husband Jamie’s parents Harry and Sandra are allegedly unimpressed with her partying with people ‘half her age’, which they have described as a sign of a ‘midlife crisis’.

Jamie’s parents, both 70, were ‘very supportive’ of Louise and were fully behind her furthering her career, a source close to the couple said, but said they were not happy with her new party lifestyle.

While Louise has been partying with Daisy, Jamie has also been hitting the town with his younger friends.

The football pundit, 44, has been partying with comedian and A League Of Their Own co-star Jack Whitehall, 29.