Christine McGuinness has opened up about the prospect of getting back on the dating scene after her split from Paddy.
After 11 years of marriage, TV presenter Paddy McGuinness and model and reality star Christine announced they were splitting up in July 2022.
Despite the couple still living together since the split, the topic of dating has come up between Christine and her friends.
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The mum-of-three - who has spoken openly about her autism since being diagnosed in 2021 - has since revealed whether she's ready or not to get back out there after 15 years with Paddy.
The pair announced their split via a joint statement posted to social media on 22 July 2022.
The post reads: "We hadn't planned on sharing this publicly until we were ready but after the lack of privacy surrounding our personal life, we feel left with no other option but to clarify.
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"A while ago we took the difficult decision to separate but our main focus as always is to continue loving and supporting our children. This was not an easy decision to make but we're moving forward as the best parents we can be for our three beautiful children.
"We'll always be a loving family, we still have a great relationship and still live happily in our family home together.
"We hope this now draws a line under anymore unwanted and unnecessary intrusion into our private life.
"Although we work in the public eye we ask kindly if you could respect our wishes for privacy on this matter. We'll be making no further comment."
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Christine has since opened up about whether she's ready to get back in the dating game nearly a year after the break-up, in an interview with OK! magazine.
The 35-year-old explained: "When I met Patrick, I met him casually and we built up a friendship before it got romantic, so something like that would probably suit me better.
"However, right now I’m focusing on the children and my work. Any free time I’ve got goes on myself because I’m exhausted.
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"I was talking to my friends about it earlier and actual dating sounds awful anyway for anybody, but [especially] for an autistic person who doesn’t really like people.
"I don’t like new places, restaurants, and I’m very particular with food, so the last thing I would want to do is go on a date. I can’t even imagine it. I’ve never really dated."
Dating probably wouldn't be too easy while the pair are both still living in the same house either.
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However, it's definitely not a 'long-term or forever plan' Christine notes.
She resolves: "It works right now because we’re both so busy and we’re in and out of the home so we tend to swap days and we’ll share. It’s much like any parent really - juggling jobs and children.
"We definitely don’t want to upset them or change anything too quickly, and for me as well.
"I like slow changes, and we’re alright - we’re family. I’ve known Paddy for 15 years, so I don’t know life without him. It is what it is."
Topics: Paddy McGuinness, TV and Film, UK News, Sex and Relationships, Celebrity
Poppy Bilderbeck