Christine McGuinness is 'thriving' and being 'true to herself' after gleefully confirming she's dating again

Christine McGuinness in a white top on Loose Women
-Credit: (Image: Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)


Christine McGuinness has not had an easy couple of years, since announcing her split from comedian Paddy in 2022, following a marriage that had spanned over a decade. Christine was just 19 when she and Paddy started dating - but the pair announced they were going their separate ways shortly after the airing of the moving documentary Our Family and Autism in 2021, which followed the former couple and their three children through their journey with autism, Christine being diagnosed shortly after them.

Yet, after all the pain and heartache of their divorce as the pair juggle co-parenting their three children together, and Christine’s own journey of self-discovery following her autism diagnosis, it seems the stunning model and TV personality is finally through the other side and living her best life, for all to see.

Lizzie Cundy, Christine McGuinness and Kelsey Parker
Paul Strank Annual Charity Gala, London 14 Sep 2024
Christine looked stunning as she posed with Lizzie Cundy and Kelsey Parker at a recent charity event -Credit:REX/Shutterstock

And now a source tells OK! that Christine seems like a whole new woman these days - something that has not escaped the attention of her nearest and dearest. “She really seems to have developed a newfound inner confidence - a whole new lease of life, and friends have noticed it. Gone are any of the doubts, the insecurities of before”, they claim. ““She's turning up at events on her own and totally owning it, with her head held high.”

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The ever glamorous 36 year old, who is also a devoted mum to ten-year-old twins Leo and Penelope, and Felicity, seven, seems to be having the time of her life, sharing fun-filled snaps from holidays and showbiz events on her social media.

It’s a marked contrast to shortly after she and Paddy announced their shock split, and the divorce is something she has admitted has been ‘difficult’. For one, the star - who currently still shares the family home in Cheshire with Paddy - has been going on sun-soaked holidays abroad by herself and with pals - including in July with good friend, musician Roxaan, something she said she’d never done when she and Paddy were together.

Christine McGuinness and singer Roxxxan
Christine posted photos of fun times with good friend, singer Roxxxan
Christine McGuinness in a bikini and sunglasses on holiday
Christine during a sun-soaked holiday abroad in July -Credit:INSTAGRAM

Moreover, as she confirmed last month, with a huge smile on her face, yes, she is ‘dating’. Shortly after her stint on last month’s Celebrity MasterChef, Christine appeared on Loose Women.

Coleen Nolan asked her: "You seem to be really moving forward and really pushing yourself, do you think now that you're in a place where you may be ready to start dating again?" And a beaming Christine disclosed: "I am dating." The ex-Miss Liverpool added: "I am dating with terms and conditions that I am not cooking, that's the number one rule, I'm not doing the cooking - it's not for me”.

Paddy, meanwhile, is set to reveal the soul-searching journey he has been on in the two years since their split as part of his new BBC series Road Tripping, which sees him tour around Europe with fellow Top Gear star Chris Harris.

Former couple Paddy McGuinness and Christine Martin on the red carpet at the Pride Of Britain Awards 2021 at The Grosvenor House Hotel on October 30, 2021 in London
Christine and Paddy were married for over a decade before their shock split in 2022

As for Christine, she is embracing life with both hands. The Real Housewives star previously admitted that her autism meant she struggled to adjust to change and stayed in her marriage with Paddy as she felt “safe”. But she is obviously ready to take the leap..

She previously confessed: “My biggest fear isn’t spiders or snakes. It’s waking up one day at 90 years old, in an old body but with a young mind, and realising that I didn’t truly live while I had the chance.

“I want to see the world, dance under the stars, and love fiercely. I want to learn from my mistakes, start that passion project, build meaningful connections and learn new skills. Take all the risks, adventures and chances that make life extraordinary - because life is too short to let fear or self doubt hold you back from experiencing things."

Christine McGuinness attends the Sexy Fish Manchester Launch Party on October 05, 2023 in Manchester
Our source claims friends have noticed that Christine seems to have a 'whole new lease of life' -Credit:Dave Benett/Getty Images for Sexy Fish Manchester

Indeed, our source says: “She’s just thriving. She’s got this whole new energy these days - this glow about her. The biggest thing she has now is the freedom to be her true self. "

And they say Christine is very happy to shed old emotional baggage and move on. “She’s not holding onto the past. She’s no longer just Paddy’s ex-wife anymore, she’s a strong woman in her own right and has never felt more confident, or more proud of this new life she’s creating for herself. She’s in the happiest place, standing on her own two feet.”

It’s wonderful to see her so happy. Long may it continue.