Christine McGuinness wanted to quit fame over effects on kids

Christine McGuinness on her high-profile divorce from ex Paddy, dating again, and the new rumours she’s heading into the I’m A Celebrity jungle later this year

Christine McGuinness has had a tumultuous few years, navigating life in the spotlight as a mum-of-three and going through a high-profile divorce from husband of 11 years, TV favourite Paddy, in 2024. But now, the former model reveals she’s finally in a good place – though it hasn’t all been smooth sailing.

“I’m feeling really good now. This year has been difficult as I’ve just come off my meds. I’ve been on ADHD meds for the past year – I literally begged my doctor for help, because I just couldn’t cope with things,” admits a candid Christine, 37, when we catch up with her on the Pride of Britain red carpet. “Between the divorce, all of the attention around my personal life and dating – it was quite a lot.”

Christine, who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD in 2021, has been admirably open about her journey with neurodivergence – something she says she wants to talk more about to help others. Her and Paddy’s three children – twins Leo and Penelope, both 12, and Felicity, nine – are also on the autism spectrum.

Paddy and Christine announced their split in June 2022, but remained living together for the sake of their children, who Christine has said thrive on routine and stability. Their unusual set-up has brought a wave of attention to the family’s personal lives, something that Christine has found tough to deal with.

“I’m constantly thinking about my children and how all of this [fame] is going to affect them. I’ve had to really think about if I’m in the right industry and if I can continue,” she says.

“I love being in this industry and doing what I do, but when I think about my children and how much the public attention is going to affect their lives, I have sometimes wondered if it’s the right thing.”

But Christine says she has ultimately decided to continue following her heart and working in show business. “I’ll be worried, and then the kids will see me all dressed up and say, ‘Mummy are you going to an awards show?’ and I think, ‘Bless them.

“They’re so innocent and happy, they’re actually unaware of so much stuff.’ I think I just get myself into a panic and I over-worry, but actually they don’t mind,” she adds, with a smile.

It’s clear that being a mum is Christine’s favourite job, and she can’t help but gush over her trio during our chat. “I always tell them that I just want them to be themselves and not copy anyone else. They’re growing into really mature, gorgeous little children.”

Going through such a difficult time over recent years has changed things in her personal life, too, she says. “I’m more careful who I speak to and who I relax in front of now. I’d say my walls are always up a little bit.“

One person she can always count on is her close friend, presenter Will Njobvu, who joins her on the red carpet during our chat. Days earlier, the pair filmed an episode of Will’s Tea Time podcast together, during which Christine hinted that she could be set to appear on this year’s I’m A Celebrity.

When we probe the subject of the jungle, a giggling Christine attempts to remain coy, responding, “I don’t know why people think that… I’m… not saying anything.”

However, pal Will isn’t quite so subtle, as he jokes that things will get “out of hand” before shouting “I’m A Celeb” when we ask what else Christine has coming up.

“Oh God!” says Christine, bursting into laughter. “I’m gonna get in trouble,” continues Will, cheekily. “You know how it goes, people have meetings with producers, yada yada yada. I don’t want to spill the tea.”

If she is heading down under, it certainly seems Christine would be out of her comfort zone. “I’m petrified of spiders, everything. Heights I’m terrible with, there’s no way I would jump off anything. And I’m not eating cockroaches, none of that,” she admits.

“I wouldn’t bring very much, I’d probably be in the hotel after a day!” she laughs. Pausing for a breath, she continues, “I always want to challenge myself and push myself, I just know there are a lot of issues I would struggle with.

“I’ve done things in the past like Pilgrimage and Celebrity Hunted. Those kind of shows where I have a lot of time on my own to just think have helped me more than anything ever.”

She adds thoughtfully, “The time where you are away from home and you think about what you want from life and your future is helpful for me, because I don’t think I will ever give myself that time, unless I’m away somewhere. So I know it would benefit me mentally in a positive way, I’m not sure about physically, though!”

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