Facing Fears
Christine McGuinness opens up about anxiety battle before facing ‘scary’ new TV challenge
Christine revealed she's been relying on one of her celeb pals through difficult times
CHRISTINE McGuinness has revealed her ongoing battle with anxiety, as well as her latest 'scary' TV adventure.
Model Christine, 36, credits her close friendship with Duncan James, 46, as a key source of strength, helping her overcome fears and embrace new opportunities.
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The pair first bonded in 2021 while participating in ITV's The Real Full Monty, where celebrities strip on stage to raise awareness for cancer charities.
Christine admitted that stepping into the spotlight was nerve-wracking, but Duncan’s support helped her push through.
She told , "When we first started, I was so nervous. It wasn’t so much the stripping off that scared me, it was performing on stage.
"But then Duncan put his arm around me and said, ‘Come on, you’re going to be fine,’ and that really helped. We did it and we had fun."
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Their connection has only grown stronger since, with the pair relying on each other through difficult times.
Both Christine and Duncan have struggled with mental health, including anxiety and depression, which has made their friendship even more meaningful.
Christine said, "A lot of people suffer from anxiety. It’s awful.
"I genuinely struggle with it when I walk down red carpets. But knowing Duncan has experienced it too really helps. I think, ‘Thank God it’s not just me.’ We’ve talked about things, and that really helps."
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Duncan added, "Talking to Christine has helped me learn a lot about myself. She’s brilliant."
Christine, who is autistic, explained that having Duncan by her side has made things "a lot easier to deal with".
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The duo recently put their friendship to the test in Channel 4's Celebrity Hunted, which Christine said has helped her grow in confidence.
She said, "I threw myself into it a lot more than I would have done years ago. Having done it, I know me and Duncan are going to be friends for life."
The show will air in January 2025.
TV star Christine recently revealed she'll be spending time with her ex-husband Paddy, 51, over the festive period despite their separation two years ago.
The former couple, who split in 2022, share twins Penelope and Leo, 11, and daughter Felicity, 8.
And they'll strive to maintain a sense of normalcy during what can be an overwhelming time of year, given their children have autism.
Speaking to , Christine explained the exes’ decision to spend Christmas Day with one another.
She said: “The last thing we want to do is upset our children over Christmas, so we’ll make sure we’re all together.”
She continued: "lt will be a quiet one.
"We alwavs try to keep it quiet, because the children can get quite overwhelmed with the changes.
"So we try to keep it like a normal day but with presents."
Last year, they celebrated their twins' 10th birthday with a party at their home in Cheshire.
They also still live together, but have started divorce proceedings.
In October, it was revealed that Paddy will be able to keep the £2.5million mansion they both call home.
But it was ruled that Christine and their kids could continue living in the seven-bedroom Cheshire home, which has a gym and swimming pool.
Paddy reportedly argued that he would not be able to afford anything similar, while Christine reportedly didn't want to uproot their kids, who have autism, from the house they grew up in.
Meanwhile, the pair have started dating other people.
In an interview in April Paddy revealed he took the plunge last year.
The former Top Gear host told The Mirror: "I tried a couple of dates last year – After twelve months of adjusting to life on my own I felt I should give it a try rather than really wanting to. For now I’m happy being single.”
He added: “For now, we’re happy with how things are, living together and helping each other balance work and kids.”
Paddy went on to reveal their divorce is progressing but the legal side is kept out of the home.
He said they've strived to maintain a sense of normalcy for the children.
He explained: "We get on well, we live together and co-parent. We get the lawyers back and forth but that’s separate - that’s a different thing.”
Christine met comedian and presenter Paddy, who is 15 years her senior, when she was just 19.
CHRISTINE DATING AGAIN
Speaking exclusively to The Sun about her love life at the Beauty Awards 2024, Christine said: "I'm just dating, I don't want to do anything too serious, I'm just figuring out what works for me.
"I was single for a long time and I stayed on my own and I loved it and I loved having that time to myself.
"But I'm a woman, I want some company, I want to be around adults.
"I'm driving my car everyday singing nursery rhymes...that's not okay.
"I need to get out and have some fun and be around adults, so that's what I've done for the last few months. I've really really enjoyed it.
"But right now I'm not ready to enter into a relationship or anything."
The Real Housewives of Cheshire alumni said she's not looking for a serious relationship at this stage - but is happy meeting new people.
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When asked if she had met anyone that she likes, Christine shared: "I'm just enjoying it.
"I'm very lucky that I'm in good company and I meet a lot of good people."
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