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Frankie Bridge reveals the secret to six year marriage to Wayne is having their own lives – and his golfing trips
They met when she was a chart-topping pop star and he was a high-profile footballer.
And Frankie and Wayne Bridge's relationship has stood the test of time resulting in six years of marriage and two young sons.
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Ahead of celebrating her and husband Wayne's anniversary with a romantic stay at Soho Farmhouse, Frankie, 31, told The Sun how they've done it.
In an exclusive chat, she said: "We had both had our success from a young age. So we had experienced a lot already so that was quite nice.
"We came in from a similar place, and we’re very much like we like each other to have our own things."
There are no trust issues for the couple with Frankie admitting she doesn't "bat an eyelid" when Wayne, 39, goes on golf trips with his pals - and adds that he feels the same way when she spends time with friends.
"We still have all our own mates," said Frankie. "As much as we do a lot as a couple, we do let each other go off and do their own things as well."
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But the pair, who began dating in 2011, are happiest when they're at home together spending time with their boys Parker, six, and Carter, four - something lockdown has let them do more of than usual.
Frankie said: "At first it was a bit like ‘oh my God we’re spending so much time together’, but actually Wayne and I spend quite a lot of time together anyway.
"He’s retired, and when I’m not working I’m at home. It’s been nice, I had my book tour just before lockdown and I’d just done the Namibian trek for Sport Relief. I was so busy wishing for loads of time at home, and then I was like ‘be careful what you wish for’ [laughs]."
Wayne had only just returned home from climbing Europe's second tallest mountain, Mont Blanc, when he took Frankie to the Cotswolds for a romantic anniversary weekend.
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The couple enjoyed cocktails and the rustic charms of the five-star retreat - perfect for recovering from a gruelling climb.
With home life currently a picture of domestic bliss, the couple aren't in a rush to add to their family.
"I think we’re alright at the minute," Frankie said. "They’re both at really good ages now where we can go out as a family and do things together and the boys get on really well.";
Frankie has been open about her mental health struggles in the past, writing in her memoir Open: Why Asking For Help Can Save Your Life how Wayne supported her when she was admitted to a psychiatric hospital as she battled severe depression.
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While lockdown has presented a unique set of challenges, Frankie has thrived mentally and has been enjoying the reduced pressure of staying at home.
She said: "It’s been OK. I actually spoke to my therapist a few weeks ago and she thought it was hilarious - out of most of her patients I’ve actually been fine.
"For me there’s no social anxiety, there’s no pressure being at home and with lockdown you knew where you stood. It was hard hearing everything that was going on, but you knew where you were, you had to stay at home that was that."
Exercise has played an important role too, and Frankie admits she favours home workouts than gym visits.
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She explained: "I work out really for me mentally. That’s something I've really enjoyed in lockdown.
"Working out for 30mins a day is easier. I can fit it in between the kids and work. I do dancing, classes and sometimes a bit of weights.
"It’s not about killing yourself to do it. I used to do classes and PT and stuff. I've done that for years and maybe I’ll go back a little bit, but I’ve been happy at home."
The Saturdays singer has teamed up with to share her lockdown life hacks to help other families make the most of their time at home.
Frankie's top three tips include a spot of home DIY to create an at-home art gallery from her children’s pictures to brighten up the walls.
A second one is a game changer when it comes to recording complex Tik Tok routines - something Frankie has become a pro at.
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And a third is a great way to have romantic date nights while staying at home by setting up a cinema on a budget using a bed sheet and Wayne’s footy goals.
Discussing her hacks, she said: "I literally bought half of Hobbycraft just before lockdown because I knew I was going to have to entertain them (her boys) as much as possible.
"It’s not been too bad, my kids are quite happy at home and being with us, although now they're getting to the point where they say 'can I see my friends now?' They’re done with us now [laughs].
"I loved all of my life hacks, they’re all nice in their own way. The private cinema, I’d love to see how they’ve set it up and made it more romantic than mine.
"The kids artwork piece is just a really nice idea for people with families. It's a really inexpensive way to have something personal at home."
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To view more of Frankie's life hacks visit Plusnet’s and
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