16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
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.
