Christine McGuinness opens up about telling her children she was divorcing Paddy and their surprising reaction

Christine McGuinness has revealed that she told her children about her split from Paddy McGuinness, and she was “blown away” by how they reacted. The model and former Mrs. McGuinness were married for 11 years before their split in 2022, and they share three children: twins Leo and Penelope, and Felicity. As the twins mark their 12th birthday, McGuinness said they have approached the news with surprising maturity, offering reassurance and a sense of normalcy for the family.

Speaking to DailyMail, McGuinness discussed how she has approached conversations about relationships and adulthood with her children in recent years. She described how the twins’ age has brought more open discussions about what it means to grow up and to adjust to changes in family life. She said, "No, I’ve spoken to the children about relationships in general, and adulthood. Obviously, my twins are 12 now, so we’re having those conversations, and they’ve absolutely blown my mind with how much they understand, and how mature they are." She stressed that the family’s approach has helped them navigate the situation without fear or blame, emphasizing that every family is different and that this is their normal. It also allowed her to frame the idea that people can change their minds and redefine relationships as life evolves.

<img alt="Christine McGuinness" src="https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/09/26/17/102483807-0-image-m-11_1758903815169.jpg">

McGuinness added that she is proud of how she has supported her children through the transition, and she highlighted the importance of ongoing communication. She told DailyMail that it’s crucial for parents to reassure children that their well-being comes first and that love can take different forms as families grow and circumstances shift. The 37-year-old noted that talking openly about adulthood’s choices—whether that means pursuing romance, friendship, or redefining family ties—can help young people understand that change is possible and acceptable.

Beyond discussing family dynamics, McGuinness spoke warmly about Paddy’s commitment to work and his support for their family. She described him as a “really hard worker” who loves his job, saying his dedication has inspired her to pursue her own ambitions and become more independent. She acknowledged that his career demands taking him away from home at times, and she recognized the challenges that come with balancing work and family life. Her admiration for his work ethic underscored the respect that remains between the former couple as they co-parent their children.

The couple’s split followed years of living together for the sake of their children, who have been diagnosed with autism. Their divorce was finalized out of court last summer. As the family navigates the new dynamic, McGuinness has drawn on her experiences to shape a vision of stability and open dialogue for her children. She has also been candid about the emotional toll of the breakup and the process of rebuilding a life that centers on the well-being of their three children.

McGuinness has pursued her own public appearances in the wake of the split, including a stint on Celebs Go Dating. She ultimately left the show after feeling overwhelmed during episodes, later telling viewers she regretted leaving the program when others found love there. She described a sense of relief at reuniting with her children, noting that she feels “completely free” in their presence and confident in the family’s ability to move forward together. The family’s home situation, including their Cheshire mansion valued at £6.5 million, has become a visible symbol of the complex life they’ve been navigating since the divorce was finalized.

As McGuinness continues to chart a path forward, she has emphasized the resilience of her family and the importance of keeping lines of communication open. Her reflections offer a portrait of a blended, modern family learning to adapt to change while prioritizing the emotional needs of children who require additional support. The story underscores how openly discussing relationships, independence, and evolving family structures can help young people understand that life can change—and that love and stability can endure through those changes.