Christine McGuinness fans 'in tears' over 'powerful' autism documentary

The TV star was diagnosed with the developmental disability in 2021 when she was 33

Christine Mcguinness: Unmasking My Autism,15/03/2023,Christine McGuinness,Duncan Stingemore
Christine McGuinness opened up in new documentary Unmasking My Autism. (BBC)

Christine McGuinness fans said they were left in tears as the star opened up about her autism diagnosis in her "powerful" BBC documentary.

The TV star was diagnosed with the developmental disability in 2021 when she was 33 and her three young children with her ex Paddy McGuinness are also autistic.

She lifted the lid on her experiences in Unmasking My Autism, revealing that there was a time when she was still at school where she "didn’t want to live" and that she had suffered sexual abuse when she was young.

Read more: Christine McGuinness says she's 'really not fine' after Paddy split

The model also talked about her split from Top Gear star Paddy, and said she was "shedding" her old identity and working out who she was.

Christine Mcguinness: Unmasking My Autism,15/03/2023,Christine McGuinness,Imogen Mayow
Viewers praised Christine McGuinness for sharing her story. (BBC)

Viewers said they were moved by the emotional documentary and thanked Christine for opening up about what she had been through.

"Incredibly moving & powerful," one fan tweeted, as another said they were "in tears".

"I’m crying but I feel empowered," said another viewer.

Somebody else posted: "Thank you #ChristineMcGuinness for your courage to bring this extra level of understanding of #AutismAcceptance for girls and women via this moving documentary."

"Thank you Christine for presenting and laying bare your autism journey," remarked one viewer.

"Such a powerful thing you have done. I wonder if you have any idea how empowering this will be to so many women and girls.

"Just thank you."

LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 22:  Paddy McGuinness (L) and Christine McGuinness attend the National Television Awards held at The O2 Arena on January 22, 2019 in London, England.  (Photo by David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
Paddy McGuinness praised his ex Christine McGuinness for the programme. (Getty Images)

Carol Vorderman was among those to praise the star, tweeting: “Just watched Christine McGuinness programme about Autism. A beautiful show @BBC.

“My son was in a school for children with special educational needs for many years. I know many people here have gone through similar as a child/parent. If you missed it, try it on catch up?”

Paddy also posted a message on Instagram saying how proud he was.

"Very proud of Christine for making this new documentary highlighting Autism, particularly in women," he said.

Read more: Paddy and Christine McGuinness praised for 'beautiful, honest' autism documentary

"It’ll be a massive help to our daughters in years to come along with our little lad."

The pair share twins Leo and Penelope, nine, and seven-year-old Felicity.

Unmasking My Autism is available on BBC iPlayer.

Watch: Christine McGuinness says she's 'really not fine' after Paddy split