Christine McGuinness, a model and TV personality from Blackpool, finds herself in a predicament as she navigates her living situation following her separation from husband and comedian Paddy McGuinness. The couple, who announced their separation in July 2022 after more than a decade of marriage, has continued to live under the same roof in their luxurious £2.5 million Cheshire home for the benefit of their three children — Felicity, age 8, and 11-year-old twins Leo and Penelope.
Despite their commitment to maintaining a joint household for the kids, the couple finalized their divorce over the summer of 2024. As part of the settlement, Paddy retained ownership of the family home, provided that Christine and the children could stay there. However, sources close to Christine reveal she's become increasingly conflicted about the arrangement.
A source shared, "The whole living together, separating and living apart has been a tough journey for Christine. She’s been feeling conflicted because of the kids. She feels like she’s in a bit of a dilemma. As Christine has said herself, their children’s autism means they don’t generally cope well with change, and that’s why she and Paddy have stayed living together for so long, despite living separate lives."
Christine herself expressed her apprehension, stating, "When the time comes that we do actually have to share our children in separate houses, I think I’m going to really struggle with that," highlighting the emotional complexities of their situation. The thought of transitioning from this joint living scenario into separate homes weighs heavily on her, with concerns primarily focused on how their children will adapt.
Just as Christine wrestles with these feelings, Paddy's recent decision to list their sprawling marital home for £6.5 million underscores a shift in dynamics. He aims to make a profit of £4.4 million, having purchased the property for £2.1 million in 2020, a home they spent months renovating to accommodate their young family.
A close source indicated that Christine is "miserable" and "desperate to sell up." This sentiment reflects a growing weariness about the ongoing cohabitation with Paddy. The tension has mounted to the point where, according to an insider, "Christine is at the end of her tether and can't carry on living with Paddy…She is desperate to sell the house, split the proceeds, and buy a smaller property where she can live happily with their three children."
The decision to market the property marks a significant turning point. Although both have started dating again, sources claim that Christine remains discontent living with Paddy, who is perceived to thrive under the current living circumstances. Reflecting on the situation, Paddy noted, "If I’m at home with the kids, it’s great...As long as my children are happy, that’s all that matters to me."
Despite this, the ongoing arrangement has begun to feel stifling for Christine, who previously expressed deep personal fears about living independently. Speaking about her anxieties, she said, "I am absolutely petrified of the thought of living on my own one day with the children... it has to be slow."
Her existing fears stem from a significant and isolating experience following their separation. She admitted, "I chose to stay at home and I took it to the extreme by becoming very, very reclusive. I barely left the house for about eight years."
The couple has continuously emphasized co-parenting their children as their primary focus. In a joint statement during their initial separation, they remarked, "A while ago we took the difficult decision to separate but our main focus as always is to continue loving and supporting our children."
As the realities of their separation set in and circumstances evolve, Christine is left pondering whether moving out — as difficult as it may be — might ultimately serve not just her needs but also the needs of her children. A source revealed, "Moving out might be what’s best for her and, in the end, for the whole family. They’ve been happy keeping things as they are, but Christine is wondering if it’s time. This complex family dynamic continues to unfold as both parents seek happiness and stability for their children, amidst personal trials and uncertainty.
