Frankie Bridge has revealed both of her in-laws are recovering from serious medical procedures in recent weeks.
The former Saturdays star, 36, who is married to former footballer Wayne Bridge, 45, said her mother-in-law Wendy, 68, underwent a hip replacement earlier this month, while her father-in-law Mick, 75, is recovering from a heart procedure to treat blocked arteries.
Wayne’s parents live with the couple in Surrey and have played an active role in helping to raise their two sons, Parker, 12, and Carter, ten. They moved in shortly after Parker was born.
Speaking candidly about their health woes in her YouTube vlog posted this week, Frankie explained: ‘Wayne’s mum has not long had a hip replacement – I think at the beginning of this week, actually.
‘Wayne’s dad’s not long had a stent in his heart, so he’s still pretty much recovering.’
The Loose Women panellist revealed the situation became even more complicated around Christmas Day when Wendy fell ill during her recovery from her hip replacement.
Frankie Bridge has revealed both of her in-laws are recovering from serious medical procedures in recent weeks
Frankie, who is married to footballer Wayne Wayne, 45, lives with her mother-in-law Wendy, 68, and her father-in-law Mick, 75, (pictured in 2022)
‘Now Wayne’s mum is sick. So, not ideal,’ Frankie continued. She did not go into extensive detail about her in-laws’ procedures.
Hip replacement surgery – most common in people aged 60-80 due to age-related conditions such as osteoarthritis – typically takes between two to four weeks for initial recovery, while full recovery can take anywhere from six to 12 weeks.
A stent being fitted in the heart, while not major surgery, is a serious procedure that entails a small mesh tube being inserted into a blocked artery to improve blood flow to the heart.
Patients usually need to take things easy for several weeks, avoid heavy lifting, and take blood-thinning medications for at least a year to prevent complications.
Frankie explained that Mick is currently unable to carry out his usual tasks – including childcare – while he recovers from his heart procedure.
She told fans how it has meant she and former Chelsea player Wayne are taking on more duties at home than usual alongside their work commitments.
‘Obviously Wayne’s dad can’t put the boys to bed and stuff,’ she said, adding that her in-laws have insisted the family continue with their plans where possible.
In footage recorded in her car while en route to a friend’s birthday party recently, Frankie explained: ‘They were like, “it’s fine”. Our kids are self-sufficient – and they [the in-laws] live with us anyway – so we’re like, Mick will watch them.’
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Frankie told fans how it has meant she and former Chelsea player Wayne are taking on more duties at home than usual alongside their work commitments
The former I’m A Celebrity star admitted, however, that she wouldn’t be able to spend that long at a friend’s party as Wayne’s parents can’t do childcare alone while they recover.
She said: ‘It’s such a shame because Wayne and I barely go to things together.
‘Most of my stuff is work stuff and friends stuff. We do very different things. Like, Wayne goes raving to house music and I go to the theatre.’
She added: ‘So it was just a really nice opportunity for us two to have a night out together and be close to home because I’m an old lady and I love it when I know that I can have a couple of drinks and just be really close to home and get into bed really quickly.’
Frankie has previously spoken openly about how much she values having her in-laws living with them, crediting the arrangement with allowing her to maintain her career without leaning on professional childcare.
Speaking to OK! Magazine in 2022, she said: ‘It means we don’t have to rely on a nanny or a babysitter. We’re lucky in that everything is either me, Wayne or his mum and dad, and that’s perfect for us.’
‘I think anyone with kids who’s also working finds it hard to get that balance and there’s this never-ending mum guilt, am I going to make it back for the match? Am I there enough for them?’
Frankie married Wayne in 2014 and is stepmother to his 19-year-old son, Jaydon, from the former footballer’s relationship with French model Vanessa Perroncel, 49 (pictured in 2021)
Frankie married Wayne in 2014 and is stepmother to his 19-year-old son, Jaydon, from the former footballer’s relationship with French model Vanessa Perroncel, 49.
She has been open about other aspects of her living arrangements, admitting three years ago that her two sons at the time still slept in her and Wayne’s bed and that the couple hadn’t had a night to themselves since having children.
She also revealed she walks around her home completely naked in front of the kids.
Speaking to her Loose Women co-stars Jane Moore, Katie Piper and Kaye Adams, she said: ‘I don’t see what the issue is. I wouldn’t think, “Oh now is the time to cover up”.’
She added: ‘I think if Parker and Carter started to look uncomfortable or if they started saying, “Ooh, mummy,” then I would go from there.’
The singer explained she hopes the openness she has with her two children will help them feel comfortable around any future partners.
