Christine McGuinness, formerly best known as the wife of comedian Paddy McGuinness, has undergone a remarkable transformation since their highly publicised separation in 2022. The 35-year-old former Miss Liverpool, originally from Blackpool, was often seen on red carpets alongside her husband during their 11-year marriage. However, it is only since their split that she has truly stepped into the spotlight on her own terms.
From Recluse to Public Figure
After spending eight years as a stay-at-home mother and self-described recluse, Christine has reinvented herself. She has been open about her autism and ADHD diagnoses, which she received at age 33, and now boasts 720,000 Instagram followers. While she and Paddy continue to live together for the sake of their three children, Christine describes leading a double life: at home, she is a devoted mother, but when she travels to London, she embraces work, fun, and freedom.
Dating Life After Divorce
In her most candid interview yet, Christine revealed that she has exclusively dated women since her divorce. She explained, 'I didn't intentionally go, "Okay, that's it. Now I'm off to women." But that's kind of what I've done. We split. We divorced and then I've just enjoyed the women and I absolutely fully love it and can't get enough.' She added, 'It's a completely different move forward with life and that's where I'm ready.'
Early Life and Marriage
Christine and Paddy met through a mutual friend in 2007. At the time, she had just modelled in a fashion show at the Liverpool Tennis Tournament, while he was building his career as a TV presenter. After two years of dating, Paddy proposed in December 2009, and they married in June 2011 at Thornton Manor in Cheshire, with Peter Kay serving as best man. The couple welcomed twins Leo and Penelope in 2013, followed by daughter Felicity in 2016. All three children were diagnosed with autism.
Struggles as a Stay-at-Home Parent
During their marriage, Christine often felt like a single parent due to Paddy's demanding work schedule on shows like Top Gear and Take Me Out. In 2019, she told the Mirror, 'I would be lying if I said it's great. It's not, it's really tough. At the moment I barely see him. It is getting to the point now where I feel it is overwhelming and too much.'
Embracing Neurodiversity
Following her children's autism diagnoses, Christine was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at age 33. She fronted the documentary Christine McGuinness: Unmasking My Autism, giving a voice to autistic women often overlooked by science and society. She also wrote two children's picture books celebrating neurodiversity, friendship, and inclusivity.
Living with ADHD
Christine has described her inattentive ADHD, which differs from the hyperactive type. She explained, 'I can be quite distant, I live in my own little bubble. It goes quite naturally with my autism. I have moments where I am extremely hyperactive in my thoughts, in the creative side, in my feelings, in my emotions.' She has been candid about experiencing suicidal thoughts during low periods but also finds joy in small things.
Sexuality and Intimacy
Christine has been open about her sexuality, preferring not to label it. She dated both boys and girls as a teenager and had a two-year relationship with a woman before marrying Paddy. After the divorce, she exclusively dates women and describes herself as a 'five star lesbian'. She is attracted to masculine women and prefers to be dominant during intimacy. She told the It Started With A Kiss podcast, 'I just like to make sure that they know that I'm not just here to lie down. I'm here to eat. I'm hungry.'
Exploring Shibari
Christine has also explored Shibari, a Japanese rope art form, as part of her self-discovery. She said, 'It wasn't really about being sexual, it was more about the feeling of letting go, allowing yourself to be vulnerable. So this was part of me getting to know myself after my divorce and then dating women and realising that with women I quite liked wanting to be more dominant and wanting to be in control.'
Living a Double Life
Christine describes her current lifestyle as ideal: 'I don't want to bring somebody into my personal life too quick. I like the separate life. My family, my kids, my home is up there and then I come to London, step off that train, I can work, have fun, I can sleep in and I don't need to worry about everything.' She is not in a rush for a serious relationship, preferring to enjoy the moment.
Subscription Service
While she has ruled out joining OnlyFans, Christine does use a similar subscription service called Subs, where she shares sensual content like lingerie photos and experiences. She confirmed, 'It's not adult content. It's like sensual. It's like lingerie or it might be experiences.'
