Harry Redknapp 'drives Sandra mad' as he refuses to retire after health ordeal
Soccer Aid 2025 coach Harry Redknapp has opened up about his and wife Sandra's health struggles, as well as his reluctance to retire from the world of showbiz
Harry Redknapp has candidly confessed that he "finds it hard to say no to things" and isn't ready to hang up his boots just yet, even as the ex-Tottenham boss nears his 80th birthday.
In a revealing chat from 2023, the now-78-year-old shared that since ending his football management career in 2017, he's been non-stop, even entering the I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! jungle and emerging victorious the following year.
Harry, who is gearing up to coach the England team for Soccer Aid on Sunday, admitted that his hesitation to reduce his frequent television appearances, which includes projects with his son, former professional footballer Jamie Redknapp, is something that sends his wife Sandra round the bend.
Speaking to Saga Magazine about whether he's put his feet up for good, Harry declared: "Not a chance. I can't. I find it hard to say no to things – it drives Sandra mad."
He reminisced about his TV gigs, saying: "Recently, I've done Harry's Heroes for ITV, managed in Soccer Aid and last year Jamie and I filmed Jamie and Harry's World Cup Challenge [for Sky Max]. What a laugh that was."
Harry also touched upon the health battles he and Sandra have faced, telling the magazine: "I've had a kidney cancer scare and a stent fitted into my heart, and Sandra's had ovarian cancer and really suffered with her throat after damaging her vocal cords."
He recalled how Sandra's sepsis scare in 2018 nearly prevented him from jetting off to Australia for I'm A Celebrity, leaving him deeply concerned about potentially losing his beloved wife.
Harry reminisced: "I was terrified I was going to lose her and I nearly didn't get on the plane.
"But she wasn't having it – she wanted me to go. I'll never forget the moment she came into camp to see me. It was the first time she'd seen me cry."
ITV audiences were utterly enchanted by Harry and Sandra's romance, shedding tears themselves during their emotional reunion in the jungle, which preceded Harry being named King of the Jungle.
In recent news, Harry expressed his thrill at returning to Soccer Aid tonight, where he will witness England take on the World XI team to support Unicef's fundraising efforts.
Joining him as part of the England coaching team are football icon Wayne Rooney, heavyweight boxer Tyson Fury, 'Line of Duty' star Vicky McClure, and goalkeeping hero David James, while a mix of ex-pros and stars lace up their boots for the big game.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
an hour ago
- Scotsman
Scotland World Cup boost as Ben Doak returns - Liverpool issue helps Everton transfer hopes
EPL clubs are interested in the former Celtic winger Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Scotland's World Cup ambitions have received a massive boost with Liverpool winger Ben Doak's return from injury. A likely starter when the national team begin their 2026 qualifying campaign away to Denmark in September, Doak is now back training and due to report for pre-season next month. He has not played since January due to a hamstring problem which eventually required surgery and prevented him helping Middlesbrough's promotion push whilst on loan in the English Championship. The 19-year-old is now in Portugal and posted social media footage of himself undergoing a rigorous training course with Empire Performance Elite. The routine showed him engaged in sharp movement exercises, including short sprints and shooting drills. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Doak emerged as a key player for Scotland during last year's Nations League campaign. He featured as a substitute in the first two games against Poland and Portugal but cemented a starting slot for the remaining four. He would have been involved in March's Nations League play-off against Greece had injury not struck. The former Celtic player is now preparing to report to Liverpool's Kirkby training base on Monday, 7 July, for the first day of pre-season training. Where he will be playing come the start of Scotland's World Cup qualifying ties is unclear. A number of English Premier League sides monitored him on loan at Middlesbrough and were impressed as he scored three goals and claimed seven assists in 24 appearances. The Everton manager David Moyes is one of Doak's admirers and is keen on a deal to sign him from rivals Liverpool this summer. Bournemouth have also been credited with an interest. Liverpool, Everton and the £30m transfer tag for ex-Celtic man Mo Salah's decision to extend his Liverpool contract renders the young Scotsman's chances of securing regular action in his favoured right-wing position extremely difficult this coming season. New £29.5m signing Jeremie Frimpong can also play in that role, so Doak's opportunities are likely to be limited under head coach Arne Slot. That could help Everton's chances of luring him across the city. A move for the teenager is likely in the coming weeks, even if it is another loan deal of some sort. Liverpool paid Celtic just £600,000 in training compensation when they signed Doak as a 16-year-old in 2022. Celtic are understood to have a sell-on clause in the deal, which could earn them a tidy return with Anfield officials reportedly valuing the Scot around the £30m mark. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Having recuperated under the supervision of medical staff at Kirkby in recent months, Doak is now eager to resume competitive action and be ready for next season. He needs regular games at a good level to regain his Scotland place and will be eager to help his country reach next summer's World Cup finals in USA, Canada and Mexico. He has made 10 first-team for Liverpool since arriving three years ago, most of those in cup competitions and European ties.
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- The Herald Scotland
Scottish wingsuit daredevil Liam Byrne dies in Alps crash
Mr Byrne, from Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, featured in a recent BBC documentary called The Boy Who Can Fly. He was described as a very experienced wingsuit flyer - which is a type skydiving which involves wearing a special suit with webbing to allow mid-air lift - and had completed thousands of jumps during his career. His parents, Mike and Gillian, confirmed to BBC Scotland News that their son had died. READ MORE: Ex-Marine makes first 'wingsuit' jump from British mountain Scots adventurer who is the real James Bond "We would like to remember Liam not just for the way he left this world, but for how he lived in it," a family statement said. "Liam was fearless, not necessarily because he wasn't afraid but because he refused to let fear hold him back. He chased life in a way that most of us only dream of and he soared. "Skydiving and base jumping was more than just a thrill for Liam - it was freedom. It was where he felt most alive." The statement added: "Liam was more than just an adventurer. He was a son, brother, grandson, cousin and friend. He was a source of laughter and strength. "He inspired all of us and made life better with his bold spirit and kind heart. We will miss Liam's wild energy and contagious laugh.
Edinburgh Live
an hour ago
- Edinburgh Live
The Chase star unveils exciting career news away from quiz show
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Get the latest Edinburgh Live breaking news on WhatsApp Jenny Ryan, a household name and star of The Chase, is showcasing her talents at the Edinburgh Fringe. With a long history of competing on shows like University Challenge, Mastermind, Only Connect, and Weakest Link, Jenny has solidified her reputation as a quiz whiz. However, she's now stepping into the spotlight with a brand-new project. On Instagram, she announced: "MAMMA MIA I'm hitting the Edinburgh Fringe again with a BRAND NEW SHOW for 2025!" "Do I believe ABBA exist? Do you think I was Björn Yesterday? Find out 30 July-17 August at @thepleasance." The Edinburgh Fringe has teased her show, hinting: "Imagine a world where Swedish pop sensations ABBA never really existed... What if we're living in it?" (Image: ITV) Jenny Ryan's show promises to be a thought-provoking and hilarious exploration of her theory of the Mamma Mia multiverse. Edinburgh Fringe teased: "She's given this concept considerable thought, possibly too much. Who really penned Waterloo? Was Andy Garcia a child soldier? "Is ABBA Voyage a collective hallucination? How did that horse get into Meryl Streep's basement? And, crucially, what's Gillian McKeith's role in all of this? A singalong comedy investigation/cry for help." This hour-long performance will take place at the Cabaret Bar at Pleasance Courtyard. Fans flooded Jenny's Instagram comments section with well-wishes. (Image: BBC) Mariacummings72 posted: "Awww that's sounds really exciting Jenny." Shannonsaysnope exclaimed: "I'm in Edinburgh for the first weekend and booked tickets for the Saturday so I am b***** excited! !". Vixleyton couldn't hide their excitement, saying: "YES! Cannot wait! ! !". Her sing-along comedy show was initially teased following Eurovision's final in May with a sneak peek in London. While Jenny's comedy skills are well-known, fans might be surprised to learn that she has also showcased her musical talent on Let's Sing and Dance for Comic Relief, featuring alongside fellow chasers Anne Hegerty, Shaun Wallace, and Mark Labbet. In 2019, Jenny competed in The X Factor Celebrity and charmed the entire country, finishing in third place in the grand finale. The Chase airs on ITV on weekdays at 5pm
