Louise I’ll do the mumba
Louise Redknapp says she’s hoping Strictly will restore her confidence after years as a stay-at-home mum.
The former Eternal singer has dedicated herself to Charley, 11, and Beau, seven, her sons with former footballer Jamie Redknapp.
Louise, 41, who was paired with Kevin Clifton on last night’s show, said: “My comfort zone has been being a mum for a lot of years now.
“I’ve given such a huge part of my life since having the boys to being with them.
“Some people have said to me, ‘You’ll be all right on Strictly, you’ve done a bit of dancing in your singing career.’
“But I know my first hurdle to get over is confidence.
“It’s about coming out of being a mum at home. I’ll worry about the dance routines after.”
The star has been asked to take part in Strictly before but did not think the time was right.
She said: “My younger son was still very small. For me, timing is everything. The boys are older, they are kind of more independent, they do their sport and I thought, ‘OK, a bit of time for me now.’”
Jamie, 43, now a TV football pundit and columnist, encouraged her to take part in the new series.
Louise said: “He said, ‘I love you to be happy and you deserve to be out there.’
“It will be tough for him though. His career recently has been picking up pace and he travels a lot.” Kristina Rihanoff tipped Olympic gymnast Claudia Fragapane for Strictly glory as the couples were paired up last night. She said of Claudia, who partners newcomer AJ Pritchard: “She’s a pocket rocket. Sports people know how to be trained, and she’s experienced on the big stage. I tip them for the final.”
Kristina also rates the chances of singer Will Young and his partner Karen Clifton saying: “Being a musician is a big plus – Will understands rhythm.”
Singer Louise Redknapp and Kevin Clifton are also on Kristina’s radar.
She said: “Louise’s pop star background will give her an advantage. Kevin has been on the show three years and each time has got to the final. ”
The Strictly veteran said former MP Ed Balls and his partner Katya Jones will be entertaining but unlikely to be victorious.
She said: “Ed isn’t your typical MP – he looks like a good laugh. Katya is a very strong personality and she’s going to push him hard. What Ed lacks in ability he will make up for in fun.”