LOUISE KEEN TO FOCUS ON HER CAREER

LOUISE Rednapp’s talking passion, the kind that puts a spring in your step and makes you feel on top of the world, and she reveals delightedly: “I’ve got that back. I felt I’d lost myself a little bit, but hopefully this is a new me and a new era.”

She won her way into the nation’s hearts when she competed on Strictly Come Dancing and got to the final in 2016 - gaining confidence with every step - and although she didn’t win the Glitterball, she gained a far better personal prize.

She says it reignited “a love of performing” that the former singer, who found fame with girl band Eternal in the 90s, feared she’d lost – and it has even helped renew the romance in her marriage.

Twelve years ago, she abandoned her solo pop career to raise a family – she and husband, ex-Liverpool footballer and TV sports presenter, Jamie Redknapp, 43, have two sons, Charley, 12, and Beau, 8.

Although she’s had various TV presenting roles and runs a fashion blog, neither were, she admits, any preparation for dancing back into the limelight on the popular show.

“I was really scared about Strictly,” she says candidly. “It had been so long since I’d put myself out there to be judged in any way. A year ago that would have seemed an impossible task, but I ended up having an incredible time.

“I feel so much better about myself as it gave me a big injection of confidence. I adore dancing – I’m having lessons twice a week – and rediscovered my passion for performing, which is in my blood.”

The 42-year-old, who looks slim and super-toned following the recent Strictly nationwide tour, now has her sights set on a role in a West End show or musical and is discussing other projects, including duets and an album.

“Over the years, I’ve definitely put the boys and Jamie first. My choice was to be there the majority of the time with them and I’m pleased I did that, but there came a time when I felt a little bit left behind,” she admits.

“My boys are more independent nowadays and so busy with school and sport that I think I deserve a little bit of career me time. I hope that’s allowed without anyone judging me.

“Also, I think it’s important for the kids to see a new ambitious side to their mum and to show them how much you can love a job.”

While she was dismissive of the so-called ‘curse of Strictly’ – the list of celebrities and their dance partners who’ve broken up with their other halves includes Rachel Riley, Ben Cohen, Joe Calzaghe, and Jimi Mistry – she did have concerns about the effect of her