Denise Van Outen has praised Louise Redknapp for being “dignified” and said she has “walked in her shoes” as she spoke about her own previous relationship experiences.

Van Outen, 43, married former Holby City and Casualty star Lee Mead in 2009 but in 2013 they announced their marriage was over.

Pride of Britain Awards 2017 – London
Denise Van Outen attending The Pride of Britain Awards 2017 (Ian West/PA Wire)

Both Van Outen and Redknapp have appeared in Strictly Come Dancing in recent years.

Redknapp’s marriage to footballer Jamie made headlines in October as she revealed the pair were living apart.

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Talking to Fabulous magazine, Van Outen said: “I only know Louise from being out and about and back in the day. But as an outsider looking in and seeing the parallels, I know what that new confidence does when you’ve been a mum to young kids.

“Louise is very similar to me. We’ve danced, sung and acted since we were kids, and it doesn’t leave you. I thought I would give it all up and just be a mum, but it’s in you.

“I think she’s been very dignified. Look, it takes a lot to do that [walk away]. I know that because I’ve walked in her shoes. But ultimately it’s better for everyone – if the relationship isn’t right, it’s not healthy to stay in it for you, your partner or your children.

“My mum and dad will have been married for 50 years next year and I’d have loved to have had that.

“But I was never going to just stay there and pretend. Ever. And I still won’t going forward. If it’s not right I’d leave and move on and start again.”

The Sun On Sunday has alleged that the Redknapps are planning to divorce, but there has been no comment or confirmation on this from the couple.

TV presenter and West End star Van Outen also opened up about her and Mead’s daughter, Betsy, and moving back to the city after living in the countryside for four years.

David Walliams wedding to Lara Stone
Lee Mead and Denise Van Outen arrive at Claridge’s Hotel in central London, for the wedding of David Walliams and Lara Stone (PA)

A highlight of her move back to London has been the discovery of a specialist school for seven-year-old Betsy, who has been diagnosed with dyslexia and dyspraxia, which the NHS website describes as a condition that affects physical co-ordination.

She told Fabulous: “She’s (Betsy) so much happier. She jumps up every morning wanting to go to school.”

The actress, who has been dating a City trader since 2014, said she is in a “good place at the moment because everything in my life is settled and calmed down”.

“I’ve gone through a divorce and people know that I’m really good friends with Lee. There’s no drama in my life so I don’t really have anything to hide,” she added.