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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Katherine Heslop

Christine McGuinness says her children 'don't know any different' despite split from Paddy

Christine McGuiness has opened up on continuing to live with with her ex Paddy, as they co-parent their three children, who are unaware the couple have split.

Christine, 34, and the Top Gear presenter, 49, announced their separation in July after 11 years of marriage, but continue to share a home with their kids Penelope and Leo, nine, and Felicity, six, who have autism.

The Games star says she wants life to go on that way in order to provide stability for her little ones.

It comes after Christine, who is also autistic, opened up on why she stayed with Paddy despite being unhappy, saying she didn't want her family to "fall apart".

Christine and Paddy announced their split in July (Instagram/ @mrscmcguinness)
The ex couple are parents to three children (Instagram)

Speaking to Women's Own about the couple's living situation, the model said: "The children don’t know any different and they’re growing up in a happy and loving home – I just want it to continue like that.

"We don’t know what the future holds but right now it works."

She also admitted: "The thought of eventually co-parenting in separate houses is something I’m going to really struggle with."

In a new BBC documentary, Christine McGuinness: Unmasking my Autism, the TV star explained why she needs a new chapter in her life and how petrified she initially felt about the breakup.

Christine's focus is on providing a happy home for her children (Instagram)
The star says for now her and Paddy's living arrangements work (Instagram/ @mrscmcguinness)

Reflecting on what she discovered in her documentary about autism, the model said: "I felt like I said in the film I didn’t want my family to ever fall apart. And that’s why I stayed married.

"As an autistic woman, I like to stay where I am comfortable. I like things to stay the same. And so that’s something I suppose I chose to do... But sometimes change has to happen."

As well as both remaining in their Cheshire mansion, the pair even holidayed together and made sure that Christmas was about the five of them.

Previously speaking about their arrangement, Christine told OK!: "I'm quite happy for him to be there with the children and it's nice for them to see Mummy and Daddy just being alright. We can sit and have a cup of tea together and that's fine."

Christine told the Mirror she's how she's "excited for life", in the wake of her documentary.

Speaking at the press screening, she said: "I'm excited for life. I want to live as much as possible. I need to live forever because I've got three little children, but I really need to live for me too. And I want to.

Christine with her three kids (@mrscmcguinness/Instagram)

"I've always wanted to travel. I've always wanted to go and try all different things. and I know now I am fully able to.

"There are still going to be times where I'm like, God, that flight is too long or that train is too long, there's always going to be those little worries there but I know now I just need a few extra things in place before I open the door."

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