Jamie Redknapp appeared in good spirits as he spent Christmas with his family, weeks after undergoing surgery following a "constant battle". The former footballer took to Instagram to share a string of sweet images from his festive get-together which included an appearance from his sons he shares with ex-wife, Louise Redknapp.
Jamie could be seen in one of the images alongside wife Frida Redknapp, 37, and the couple's baby son Raphael as well as Jamie's eldest sons Charley and Beau. The pundit's famous parents, Harry and Sandra Redknapp, also joined the fun, with the pair seen posing with their son while holding trays of food.
Forty-nine-year-old Jamie also twinned with his wife, whom he married last October before welcoming their son the following month, as they donned matching 'The North Pole' hoodies.
But Jamie appears to have inadvertently caused a stir as he revealed a professional chef from a fine dining restaurant had been in charge of preparing the festive meal the blended family tucked in to this Christmas.
"Happy Christmas and God Jul," he captioned the images alongside a red heart emoji. He then added: "Love from our family. Amazing food @rest_story," crediting the chef from 2 Michelin star eatery, Restaurant Story.
But some unimpressed followers were quikc to respond. @the_bearded_explorer_._._ said: "Not your best post Jamie, bragging about having a 2 star chef cook for you and the family when there's a cost of living crisis in the country just now and many people couldn't afford to cook for themselves or heat their homes. Lost a huge amount of respect for you after this one."
@philip.houghton.507 echoed: “So sad that you can post pictures like that having your own chef to do your Xmas dinners when so many people are struggling to feed there kids & heat there houses."
Others, however, were quick to jump to Jamie's defence after seeing the negative comments. @walkwithmum said: "Oooh send him round! Looks incredible and I love that you showed recognition for him.. (It’s ok to have a chef cook their Christmas dinner..that’s what chefs do..)." @ni.ck1962 shared: "Love the pictures..Merry Christmas , You're very privileged and have great family not all of us can experience that sort of life style."
As mentioned, Jamie's big family Christmas comes after he underwent a full knee replacement. At the end of last month, the League of Their Own star shared a snap of himself laying in a hospital bed after his op. "So I have finally decided to fix my knee and get a full knee replacement," he shared in the caption. "When I was just 18 I had of all of the meniscus removed from the inside of my right knee, hence making it being bone on bone and taking away the cushion that protects it.
"It has given me constant problems since. Whilst I was playing I had to have physio appointments at all hours. With the help of the incredible Kevin Lidlow it was a constant battle to keep the swelling down and pain under control,but after at least 12 surgeries I have decided to have it done.
"At 27, I was lucky enough to meet an amazing surgeon called Richard Steadman. He managed to give me a few more years of my career, before I had to retire from the game I love at 30. Having a young baby has also made this decision easier, as I need to be as mobile as possible so I can chase that little speedy rascal around.
"I want to thank you Dr Sweetnam ,and your great team, for looking after me so amazingly well. As you can see on pic 2 I assume I will be setting off the X-ray machines at the airport with my new titanium knee." Jamie added: "So here is to a new beginning, I’m excited for this next chapter."
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