Frida Andersson, wife of former England footballer Jamie Redknapp, has shared that their son Raphael, aged four, has been instrumental in bonding their blended family. Andersson described the youngest child as a 'godsend' who provided a focal point for her and Jamie's families.
"Going through a divorce is like putting a family through a tumble dryer," Andersson told The Mid Point with Gabby Logan podcast. "Having Rapha has been a godsend – he's the glue. Everyone wanted to come home and see Rapha."
Andersson has four children, three sons and a daughter, from her previous marriage to American hedge fund tycoon Jonathan Lourie. Jamie Redknapp has two sons, Charley, 21, and Beau, 17, with his ex-wife, singer Louise Redknapp.
The couple met through mutual friends in 2020 and married in 2021. Raphael was born in November 2021. Andersson stated that it was after Raphael's arrival that their blended family truly 'glued'.
She also noted a personal change, admitting, "I'm a calmer mum now. I talk to him in a completely different way."
In related comments, Jamie Redknapp revealed he has been sober for approximately 18 months to two years. He made the decision after experiencing a severe hangover following his 50th birthday celebration, an event he remembers little of due to excessive drinking. Redknapp explained on The Romesh Ranganathan Show that while he never had a problematic relationship with alcohol, he suffered from debilitating hangovers and decided to stop drinking to be healthier and more present for his young son, Raphael.
"I want to wake up every morning when I see Rapha I don't want to feel like 'oh I feel rubbish today', I want to get up earlier than him and be as healthy as possible," he said. Redknapp added that he feels pleased with his decision to abstain from alcohol.