Christine McGuinness opens up about telling her children she was divorcing Paddy and their 'blown away' reaction

Christine McGuinness has spoken about the moment she told her three children that she and Paddy McGuinness were divorcing, saying she was blown away by how calmly and maturely they took the news. The model, 37, and the TV presenter were married for 11 years before confirming their split in 2022. They share twins Leo and Penelope, who are 12, and daughter Felicity, and they had been living together in Cheshire for the sake of their kids, who have all been diagnosed with autism.

In an interview with DailyMail, McGuinness said she has been talking with her children about relationships and adulthood as they grow older, and she has been impressed by their understanding. She emphasized that open family communication is central to their dynamic and that it is normal for adults to change their minds or redefine their relationships, including choosing to be friends or family rather than partners at times.

She also praised Paddy’s work ethic, describing him as a hardworking partner who loves what he does and has inspired her to pursue her own career with greater independence. She acknowledged that leaving home to work is not easy and that balancing parenthood with professional life has always been challenging, especially given the family’s dynamic.

The divorce was finalized out of court last summer, following a period during which the couple’s Cheshire mansion, valued at about £6.5 million, was put on the market. Since the split, McGuinness has stepped back from a brief stint on Celebs Go Dating, though she made a surprise appearance during the show’s finale, later hinting she regretted leaving the series after seeing peers find romance. She said she feels completely free now and has been focused on reconnecting with her children. The family has been navigating life with three autistic children, aiming to preserve stability and open lines of communication as they move forward.