Christine McGuinness has delivered an emotional and heartfelt insight into her family life, revealing that her three children are her "biggest inspiration" and have taught her how to "not be scared".
An Emotional Revelation on the Podcast
Speaking on John Reynolds' Extraordinary Life Stories podcast, the former model and Real Housewives of Cheshire star became tearful as she discussed the profound impact of her children. Christine shares twins Leo and Penelope, and daughter Felicity, with her ex-husband, Take Me Out presenter Paddy McGuinness. All three children are autistic.
Christine, who herself received diagnoses of autism and ADHD in 2021, was reflecting on a significant personal challenge she faced while participating in ITV's Strictly The Real Full Monty. At the time of filming, she had "just been diagnosed" but had not yet shared the news publicly.
The Turning Point: A School Nativity Play
Christine explained that she joined the show for her mother, who had recently been diagnosed with breast cancer. However, the prospect of performing in front of an audience and on television filled her with dread. "I had the biggest meltdown. I was absolutely petrified," she confessed, noting that her anxiety was not about the performance itself but the fear of letting people down.
She described this pattern of overthinking as "quite typical" for autistic-ADHD women, which had previously stopped her from pursuing goals. The turning point came a week before the final dance, when she watched her children in their school Nativity play.
"For three years before that Nativity, they could not sit in the assembly," Christine recalled emotionally. "And this one time, they got up on stage, and they said all of the words, and they performed... I just thought, 'Wow'. They are doing it. 'They can do it, so I need to do it'." This moment became her catalyst to face her own fears.
Leading by Example for Her Family
Christine stated that her children are watching her, and she wants them to see a mother who is not only a parent but also works, has friends, drives, and is independent. "They are my biggest inspiration," she affirmed, adding that it was they who ultimately taught her to overcome her fear.
The former couple announced their separation in June 2022 after 11 years of marriage, choosing initially to continue sharing a home for their children's stability.
Looking to the Future After a Difficult Year
In a separate interview with the Mirror in October last year, Christine opened up about navigating a "difficult" period. She revealed she had "just come off my meds" after a year on ADHD medication, which she sought during the turmoil of her divorce and intense public scrutiny.
"I'm feeling really good now," she shared on the Pride of Britain red carpet. However, she remains constantly mindful of her children's wellbeing, sometimes questioning if being in the public eye is the right path. "I've had to really think about if I'm in the right industry and if I can continue," Christine admitted, though she affirmed her love for her work.
Paddy McGuinness can next be seen on Inside the Factory on BBC One.
