‘I want to find a HANDSOME MAN under the tree!'

Louise Redknapp on family Christmas plans and how her sons deal with negative stories

- JACK WHITE

This is an exciting time for Louise Redknapp, as she gears up to release her first solo album in 20 years. But going back to music hasn’t been without its challenges, because during the time 45-year-old Louise decided to return to life as a pop star, her marriage to ex-footballer Jamie, 46, broke down. Even though neither one of them have ever revealed the real reason for their split – which saw her move out of the family home they shared with sons Charley, 15, and 11-year-old Beau – the singer has confessed that the marriage made her feel like a Stepford Wife. When Woman catches up with Louise she excitedly fills us in on preparing for her album release, how her children deal with negative stories in the press and what she really wants for Christmas this year…

Hello, Louise! What are your plans for the holidays this year? We’re going to go out for Christmas dinner – we’ve made a family decision. I think it’s because my cooking is so bad! No, to be honest, my mum cooks so it will be nice to be out and give her a break.

Do you go all out with the decorations? I’m very minimal when it comes to that. I have two trees, one in the kitchen and eating area and one in the lounge. I’ll maybe have a few lights outside this year just to make it nice for the kids.