Christine McGuinness has given a fresh insight into life following her split from her husband Paddy McGuinness. The former couple announced they had separated "a while ago" back in July last year after speculation grew over their relationship status.
Christine, 35, and Paddy, 49, confirmed the end of their marriage to their fans and followers on July 22 in a joint statement which they shared on social media. They said: "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.
"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."
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The former couple, who share twins Leo and Penelope and youngest daughter Felicity added at the time: "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. Loads of love. Paddy & Christine."
Christine has since spoken openly how she’s making co-parenting work with Top Gear star Paddy, who she married in 2011 after meeting him at 19, which includes them still living together in their Cheshire home and said that she doesn't feel like a single mum yet because nothing has changed in her life, but explained that her own mum was a single mum so she knows that she'll be fine.
Now, in a new chat with the Mirror, Christine has shared how she finds the prospect of dating "petrifying" as she gets on with her new life as a single woman. "The thought of dating is actually my worst nightmare," she said. "I’ve just never really done it.
“When I met my husband, we were friends first. I think that helped, it worked because I never had that pressure of, ‘What do I wear? Where do I go? What is the food going to be like? Will I like the restaurant?’ The idea of dating, for me, is petrifying."
Christine, who was diagnosed with autism aged 33 after all three of her children received the diagnosis, did go on to explain: "It’s sensory for me. A typical date, from what my friends would say, is you go for dinner, or you might have some drinks.
"I don’t drink and I don’t really enjoy eating in different places with people that I don’t know. Once I’m comfortable with someone, that’s lovely. But I don’t know how I am supposed to get to that point."
But as for her life post-Paddy, Christine admitted: "Nothing has really changed. I don’t feel like a young, free and single person. Life’s good. I’m just very calm and peaceful and I don’t want anything to disturb that right now."
And on the subject of dating, her comments come after Paddy found himself being flooded with demands as he reminisced about his former TV show Take Me Out. The ITV dating programme saw single ladies across the UK get a chance at a date in 'Fernandos'.
In each episode, a bachelor was seen being put on the spot by having to impress a panel of thirty women. Through a series of videos about him followed by the contestant demonstrating a skill. If the ladies liked what they see, they kept their lights and the more impressed they were, the more women the singleton had to choose from at the end of the game but if all 30 women turned off their lights, the man went home dateless.
Alongside a promo picture for one of the series, Paddy said: "That time we flipped the switch. Lads behind the podiums, girls down the love lift." And it appears fans are keen to see it back on screens.
@jacqharris296 said: "We need this show back , great Saturday night viewing, plus the updates from the Isle of Fernando." @kim.elizabeth.16 commented: "You need to ressurect this show." @sairhodgkiss declared: "We need another series!!"
@demileighsmith begged: "Please bring this back." @mariagmiterek echoed: "Bring back the show! Loved it!!" @dididjerba replied: "Bring back please !!!! We need this back." @bella_and_mickey_g replied: "Loved that show, plllleeeeaaassseee bring it back." @aimlg88 added: "This needs to come back! LOVED IT."
