Christine McGuinness admits divorce from Paddy McGuinness is ‘difficult’

After 11 years of marriage, Paddy and Christine McGuinness called it quits last year and now, Christine has spoken of how she can’t wait for this year to ‘be over’.

The couple, who have three children together, announced in a joint statement on social media in 2022 that they were calling time on their relationship.

And now, speaking to The Mirror, Christine has admitted that she is finding the divorce from Paddy ‘difficult’.

Despite the breakup, they are currently still living together in their family home in Cheshire, presumably for the sake of their children, twins Penelope, and Leo, ten, and Felicity, seven.

Christine has said that her mum has been her ‘rock’ through the ordeal.

She said: “I am obviously going through a difficult divorce right now, things are hard, but I will always continue to smile and the reason is because I am my mother’s daughter, she has instilled that in me.

“She has been my rock and is a huge inspiration to me.”

Instagram/@mrscmcguinness

All of the star’s children have been diagnosed with autism, along with Christine herself - something she opened up about in BBC documentary Christine McGuinness: Unmasking My Autism.

Christine said: “My mum has always been my biggest supporter. She is the only person apart from their daddy who I would trust to look after my kids overnight.

“She has always been amazing. She was incredible when they were first diagnosed and has always seemed to just get them.

“She is always there for me and for them.”

Talking about this year, the former beauty queen said it hasn’t ‘been easy’ this year and that she is looking forward to heading into 2024 with a ‘bang’.

She continued: “I know you shouldn’t wish your life away but I am looking forward to this year being over and starting next year fresh.

“I really want to focus on the positives and make the most of a new year and new opportunities.”

Instagram/@mrscmcguinness

And this isn’t the only turmoil the family have faced throughout this year.

Christine’s mum has been battling breast cancer, and is still recovering after receiving treatment.

Christine said: “My mum is doing OK. She is still recovering but she has finished her main treatment.

“She has finished chemotherapy, radiotherapy, her hair has all grown back and she is starting to get her energy back.

“Throughout she has still been an amazing mum and nanna to the kids.

“She has managed to constantly smile throughout it and I have so much love and respect for her. I know if she can cope with cancer I can cope with anything too.

“I am honestly so thankful for her and for the charities that have kept her alive.”