Christine McGuinness has spoken candidly about her decision to co-parent with her estranged husband Paddy, despite their separation in 2022.
The model and TV personality, 34, told MailOnline that she and the comedian, 49, are still living under the same roof in Cheshire for the sake of their three children - twins Penelope and Leo, eight, and Felicity, six - who all have autism.
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She said: ‘We’re still a family, we still love each other, we just can’t be together as a couple. We’ve tried everything, but we realised we’re better off as friends and parents.’
She added: ‘It’s not easy, but we’re making it work. We have a good routine, we share the responsibilities, we communicate a lot. We’re both very involved in our kids’ lives and we want the best for them.’
Christine also revealed that she and Paddy have agreed to date other people, but they have not introduced anyone new to their children yet.
She said: ‘We’re both free to see other people, but we’re not ready to bring anyone into our home. We don’t want to confuse or upset our kids. They’re our priority and they always will be.’
She continued: ‘We’re still young, we still have our own lives, we still have our own dreams. We’re not going to hold each other back. We’re still supportive of each other, we still respect each other, we still care for each other.’
Christine and Paddy, who tied the knot in 2011, announced their split in February 2022, after months of speculation about their marriage.
The couple had faced several challenges in their relationship, including Paddy’s busy work schedule, Christine’s battle with anorexia, and their children’s diagnosis with autism.
They also faced a public backlash in 2018, when Paddy was pictured on a night out with singer Nicole Appleton, 47, sparking rumours of an affair. Both Paddy and Nicole denied any wrongdoing and insisted they were just friends.
Christine said she has no regrets about her marriage with Paddy, and she is grateful for the memories they have made together.
She said: ‘We had some amazing times together, we travelled the world, we had a beautiful wedding, we have three gorgeous children. We have a lot to be thankful for.’
She added: ‘We’re not bitter, we’re not angry, we’re not enemies. We’re just two people who grew apart, but still love each other as family.’
