Christine McGuinness has faced a challenging couple of years, having announced her separation from comedian Paddy in 2022 after over a decade of marriage.
Christine was just 19 when she and Paddy began their relationship, but the pair revealed they were parting ways shortly after the broadcast of the poignant documentary ‘Our Family and Autism’ in 2021.
Despite the emotional turmoil of their divorce and the challenges of co-parenting their three children, along with Christine’s personal journey of self-discovery following her autism diagnosis, it appears the ex-model is now thriving and living her best life.
A source has now told OK! that Christine seems like a completely different woman these days – something that hasn’t gone unnoticed by those closest to her. “She really seems to have developed a newfound inner confidence – a whole new lease of life, and friends have noticed it. Gone are any of the doubts, the insecurities of before”, they assert.
“She’s turning up at events on her own and totally owning it, with her head held high.” The 36-year-old is a devoted mother to her three children, 10 year old twins Leo and Penelope, and seven-year-old Felicity. Her social media is filled with vibrant snapshots from holidays and showbiz events.
This carefree image is a far cry from the tumultuous period following her surprise split from Paddy McGuinness. Christine has confessed that the divorce has been ‘difficult’.
However, she seems to have found a new lease on life, embarking on sun-kissed solo holidays and trips with friends – a first since her split from Paddy. Notably, in July, she jetted off with her friend, musician Roxaan.
Furthermore, Christine confirmed on Loose Women last month that she has started ‘dating’. When quizzed by Coleen Nolan about her readiness to re-enter the dating scene, Christine radiated happiness as she revealed: “I am dating.”
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The former Miss Liverpool jokingly laid down her dating terms, stating: “I am dating with terms and conditions that I am not cooking, that’s the number one rule, I’m not doing the cooking – it’s not for me”.
Christine is whole-heartedly seizing life. The reality TV celeb has been open about how her autism led to difficulties adapting to change and prompted her to stay in what felt like the security of her marriage with Paddy.
Now, she’s poised to embrace new beginnings. She once revealed: “My biggest fear isn’t spiders or snakes. It’s waking up one day at 90 years old, in an old body but with a young mind, and realising that I didn’t truly live while I had the chance.”
She continued: “I want to see the world, dance under the stars, and love fiercely. I want to learn from my mistakes, start that passion project, build meaningful connections and learn new skills. Take all the risks, adventures and chances that make life extraordinary – because life is too short to let fear or self doubt hold you back from experiencing things.”
A source close to her says: “She’s just thriving. She’s got this whole new energy these days – this glow about her. The biggest thing she has now is the freedom to be her true self.”
Furthermore, they add that Christine feels exhilarated to release any old emotional baggage and forge ahead. “She’s not holding onto the past. She’s no longer just Paddy’s ex-wife anymore, she’s a strong woman in her own right and has never felt more confident, or more proud of this new life she’s creating for herself. She’s in the happiest place, standing on her own two feet.”
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