She’s been busier than ever this year after releasing a BBC documentary all about her autism diagnosis, but Christine McGuinness says she can’t wait to spend Christmas Day at the Cheshire family home she still shares with ex Paddy McGuinness and their three children.
The model, 35 – who shares twins Leo and Penelope, 10, and seven-year-old Felicity with Paddy – says, “I think for me, something I’ve learnt more and more recently with the children being little is it’s more about being present with them than the presents I give.
"So, around Christmas time, I always make sure that I’m at home more than ever – I love it.”
She adds, “Of course [me and Paddy will be spending Christmas together] because we still live in the same house.
“I think we’ve got to move on, but for now it works for the children. We both go in and out and we’ve got a schedule we try to stick to and a routine for the kids. The one thing we agree on more than anything is that we just want what’s best for our children, and that’s to be a good mum and dad.”
Christine has been single since her split from Paddy in July last year and recently revealed that her fussy eating and autism make going out for dinner on dates difficult. She says, “What restaurant does plain cheese sandwiches with no butter? For me, no dating at all would be ideal right now.”
And so she says she’s just going to throw herself into the festive season, adding, “I’m going to enjoy it, embrace my family around me and enjoy some nice food.
“I’m not too bothered about gifts. As long as you’ve got a roof over your head, gifts don’t matter. We’ll have a really good day – I can’t wait.”