Christine McGuinness, 35, has opened up about leaning on her mum to get through her ‘difficult’ divorce from husband Paddy, 50.
The pair shocked many when they announced they were calling it quits on their 11-year marriage in July 2022.
Despite separating, the two exes have remained living in the same house, with Christine telling the Mirror, she is really looking forward to a ‘fresh’ start in 2024.
Explaining how her mum has been her ‘rock,’ she told the paper: "I am obviously going through a difficult divorce right now, things are hard, but I will always continue to smile, and the reason is because I am my mother’s daughter; she has instilled that in me.
"She has been my rock and is a huge inspiration to me."
The Real Housewives of Cheshire star shares three children, twins Penelope and Leo, ten, and Felicity, seven, with Take Me Out presenter Paddy.
All of their children and Christine have been diagnosed with autism, making changes to their routine a challenge.
The family recently celebrated Paddy’s milestone 50th birthday at their Cheshire home.
Christine confessed that while she was ‘smiling’ to put on a brave face, inside she ‘wanted to cry.’
"I am doing OK," she explained, "Obviously there are a lot of changes going on and it’s not easy, but I am really looking forward to 2024.
"I know you shouldn’t wish your life away, but I am looking forward to this year being over and starting next year fresh with a bang. I really want to focus on the positives and make the most of a new year and new opportunities."
Despite Christine’s close relationship with her mum Joanne helping her through, it hasn’t been easy for her, after Joanne was diagnosed with breast cancer in lockdown.
"My mum has always been my biggest supporter. She is the only person, apart from their daddy, who I would trust to look after my kids overnight. She has always been amazing," she said.
Talking about how her mum connects with her autistic children, she explained, "She was incredible when they were first diagnosed and has always seemed to just get them. She is always there for me and for them."
Christine also issued an update on how her mum is getting on while speaking at the Pink Ribbon Foundation Charity Gala at Underglobe in London.
"My mum is doing OK. She is still recovering but she has finished her main treatment. She has finished chemotherapy, radiotherapy, her hair has all grown back, and she is starting to get her energy back," the TV star said.
Recalling how scary it was to see her mum battling the disease alone, in the height of the lockdown, she added: "The hardest thing was I couldn’t even give her a cuddle during lockdown, which was so hard.
"But things are getting back to normal. Throughout, she has still been an amazing mum and nanna to the kids.
"The way she has coped with it so well. She has managed to constantly smile throughout it, and I have so much love and respect for her. Because of my mum, I know I can do anything or get through anything. She has been my rock and is a huge inspiration to me. I am so proud of her.
"No matter what life now throws at me, I know I will be fine because I have my mum and the love of my mum.
"I know if she can cope with cancer, I can cope with anything too. I am honestly so thankful for her and for the charities that have kept her alive. I am very proud to be an Ambassador for the Pink Ribbon Foundation."
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