MailOnline exclusive: After 11 years, Paddy McGuinness split with Christine.

The couple have been ‘living separate lives’ for months and their June wedding anniversary was a non-event, with neither posting on social media about the occasion.

Christine, who is 34 years old, hasn’t posted an Instagram pic with Paddy, 48 since February when Paddy shared a promo photo of them to launch their podcast. 

On Friday, the couple shared their dissolution on Instagram. They also revealed that they plan to continue their relationship for their children with autism. 

Christine and Paddy share twins Penelope, and Leo, eight, and Felicity, six, all of whom have been diagnosed with the developmental disorder – and they insist their upbringing remains a top priority.

'Not an easy decision to make': Paddy McGuinness has split from wife Christine after 11 years of marriage, MailOnline can exclusively reveal (pictured in January 2019)

It was not an easy decision: Paddy McGuinness split with Christine, after eleven years of marriage. MailOnline exclusive information (pictured January 2019) 

'Difficult': Paddy and Christine shared joint statements on Instagram explaining that they still live happily together in their family home and their main focus is to love and support their three children

‘Difficult’: Paddy and Christine shared joint statements on Instagram explaining that they still live happily together in their family home and their main focus is to love and support their three children

Sharing a joint statement, they wrote:  ‘We hadn’t planned on sharing this publicly until we were ready but after the lack of privacy surrounding our personal life, we feel left with no other option but to clarify.

“Awhile back we had to make the difficult decision of splitting but as always, our focus was to keep loving our children and continue supporting them.

This was not an easy choice, but it is what we made. We are now trying to be the best parents that we can for our beautiful three children. While we will remain loving and close to each other, our relationship is strong.

“We hope that this will draw a line at any unwanted or unnecessary intrusions into our private lives.

“Although our work is visible to the general public, we request that you respect our privacy wishes on this subject. “We will not make any further comment. 

It's all over: The couple have been 'living separate lives' for months and their recent wedding anniversary was a non-event, with neither posting on social media about the occasion

It’s done: After months of ‘living apart’, the couple celebrated their wedding anniversary without posting anything on social media. 

Finished: The couple are currently holidaying with their children at Nottingham Center Parcs – which was said to be a make-or-break trip, with Paddy sharing an image of himself and Christine on Friday morning

Finished: The couple are currently holidaying with their children at Nottingham Center Parcs – which was said to be a make-or-break trip, with Paddy sharing an image of himself and Christine on Friday morning 

MailOnline received this statement from a source: “Paddy, Christine gave everything they had over the years to their marriage.

They have had to let go of their small family to care for them. Their children will be raised together.

“It is no secret that they have had a hard few years together, but their close circle knows it. They still support one another and will do so through their separation.

Paddy and Christine shared an image of themselves just hours after the couple of fifteen years broke up.

From Centre Parcs Nottingham, the pair laughed together as they enjoyed a week of holidaying with their children Penelope (Leo), Felicity and Felicity). 

Top Gear’s Paddy captioned his picture of Christine, which he had uploaded to Top Gear since February: “Yes!” Our family finally went on a holiday.

His explanation was that he discovered three days prior to our flight, that our youngest daughter had lost her passport. This forced us to cancel our trip to Spain.

“We’d been talking to the children about the whole thing, including the part at the airport, so suddenly changing plans was difficult. Mothers and fathers with autistic children, will be able to understand what I’m talking about.

Opening up: Just last week Christine appeared on breakfast show Lorraine to address claims of a rift in her marriage to Paddy

Christine opened up to Lorraine, the Lorraine Breakfast Show to talk about claims she had with Paddy regarding a split in their marriage. 

Christine, a model, appeared last week on Lorraine (ITV), where Carol Vorderman presented her story about Paddy’s marriage.

She said: ‘Marriages go through up and downs anyway, all marriages, especially long ones like ours – 15 years together, it’s not always going to be plane sailing but we’re trying to deal with things as privately as possible and we both want to be there to support the children and give them an amazing summer.

“We are going on a family vacation next week. We’re excited. They will always be our main focus.

The couple’s breakup came five months after they released Table Talk together. This podcast discussed the reality of families living with severely ill and disabled children.

Their story was also highlighted in The BBC’s critically acclaimed documentary Our Family and Autism. In it, they discussed in great detail how their children were raised with this condition.

Paddy, a former Take Me Out host, admitted that he was unable to accept their diagnosis during the special show.

He stated, “The first days of autism when we didn’t know anything were very difficult.”

“The children didn’t go to sleep, they would have meltdowns when there was loud music and bright light and no one could help them. The curtains were kept closed, and no one was allowed into our house.

Priority: The couple share twins Penelope, and Leo, eight, and Felicity, six, all of whom have been diagnosed with autism

Priority: The couple share twins Penelope, and Leo, eight, and Felicity, six, all of whom have been diagnosed with autism 

Paddy shared that his fear was his kids not realizing how beloved they were because his autism affects their ability to feel emotion. 

Christine stated that Patrick had been adamant about his love for the kids for many years and they have never disagreed. However, Patrick was concerned for decades that their children may not be able to feel loved.

I’ve always maintained that they have autism. However, they sometimes struggle to express their feelings and are unable to accept the things we do for them.

Christine herself was identified as autistic during the documentary.

She revealed that Paddy was her only husband for eight years because it made her feel uncomfortable when she was around other people.

She stated that she had spent eight years living alone and not having any sort of contact other than her husband in her 20s. It was all about me. I avoided everyone. I never socialized, never had real friends and it was never an issue.

Concern: Paddy previously admitted his biggest fear is that his children will fail to recognise how loved they are because their autism causes them to struggle with emotion

Concern: Paddy previously admitted his biggest fear is that his children will fail to recognise how loved they are because their autism causes them to struggle with emotion

“It’s something I’ve believed for years. Even at school, I never felt the same.” It’s something I know.

Christine shared that eight of the eight years she was married to Paddy were spent in their house because she didn’t like being around strangers.

She stated that she had spent eight years living alone and not having any sort of contact other than her husband in her 20s. It was all about me. I avoided everyone. I never socialized, never had real friends and it was never an issue.

“It’s something I’ve believed for years. Even at school, I never felt the same.” It’s something I know.

Christine met Paddy at the Liverpool Tennis Tournament 2007. They got married at Thornton Manor three year later.

They appeared to be in a strained relationship in February 2018, when Paddy was photographed arm in arm alongside Nicole Appleton, an ex-singer for All Saints.

Christine talked about their ‘difficulty’ marriage after images of Paddy (47), and Nicole were published.

In March 2018, she stated that “it’s been hard lately.” We should spend more time together and do things together.

“I wish that he would go home more often, but I’d rather be there with him.” But, because of the hard work we’ve put into it, we’re happier than ever.

“There have been occasions when he has left to go work. I’ve tried to wave him off, but then I got back in the house crying and thinking about how I wish he would stay.

Paddy stated in his biography My Lifey (published last year), that he and Christine were ‘polar opposites without any common interests’.

Family: 'This was not an easy decision to make but we're moving forward as the best parents we can be for our three beautiful children,' the couple announced on Friday

Family: ‘This was not an easy decision to make but we’re moving forward as the best parents we can be for our three beautiful children,’ the couple announced on Friday 

He said that their love was a result of their shared laughter and mutual interest in each other’s lovemaking.

Paddy stated that they didn’t love the same TV programs, films or food. We wouldn’t be able to go on a date together.

“I barely know any of her mates and apart from sharing a house, we lead completely different lives.

“So, why are we still married after a decade?” Answer: we laugh and make love… a lot.’

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Paddy McGuinness and Christine McGuinness SPLIT : From child abuse allegations and parenting problems to 15-year-old age gaps and busy schedules, MailOnline describes the signs that a couple’s marital discord was before they separated

After 11 years together, Christine and Paddy McGuinness have separated. This was revealed exclusively by MailOnline Friday.

Paddy (48) and Christine (34) confirmed their split via Instagram. However, they said that they would continue to live together in the best interests of their children.

They share twins Penelope and Leo, aged eight and Felicity, age six. All three have autism and the couple insist on their education being a priority.

Christine met Paddy at the Liverpool Tennis Tournament 2007. They got married at Thornton Manor three year later.

Their relationship is now rocked due to rumours about marital troubles, based on cryptic social media posts and cheating accusations, as well as hectic work schedules.

MailOnline examines their difficulties and shows the beginning of the end.

Split: Paddy McGuinness and Christine have split after 11 years of marriage, it was exclusively revealed by MailOnline on Friday

Split: Christine McGuinness (Paddy McGuinness) and Christine McGuinness (Christine) have separated following 11 years of married life. It was only revealed Friday by MailOnline

‘No common interests’

The lack of common hobbies may be a major problem in the couple’s relationship. 

Paddy stated in his biography My Lifey (published last year), that he and Christine were ‘polar opposites without any common interests’.

He said that their love was a result of their shared laughter and mutual interest in each other’s lovemaking.

Different people: In his biography, My Lifey, which was released last year, Paddy said in the chapter entitled Marriage and Kids that himself and Christine are 'polar opposites with no common interests' (pictured 2011)

Different people

Paddy stated that they didn’t love the same TV programs, films or food. We wouldn’t be able to go on a date together.

“I barely know any of her mates and apart from sharing a house, we lead completely different lives.

“So, why are we still married after a decade?” Answer: we laugh and make love… a lot.’

Age gap of 15 years

Christine insists that the 15-year age difference between them doesn’t pose a problem, despite some people pointing out its existence.

Christine – who was just 19 when she met Paddy – said: ‘The only time we notice the age difference is when someone else points it out.’

But she pointed out, however, that it worked because Paddy was younger than her, and she felt ‘old’ for his age.

She stated that she was quite young for her age, while Patrick is very immature. The middle is where we meet. 

Age gap: While some people have pointed towards the 15 year age gap between the couple as an issue, Christine has always maintained that it doesn't affect them (pictured in 2010)

Age gap

Nicole Appleton photos

After Paddy took a photo of Nicole Appleton, All Saints’ Nicole Appleton snapped Paddy on a drunken night out. It was then that the marriage experienced its first major problem. 

She was seen on Paddy’s arm while they were out for a night in London. It was later revealed that the couple have been tweeting each other since last autumn.

In September 2017, the television personality posted that he had just made himself tea and was about to settle down for watching his BBC program Even Better Than The Real Thing.

Nicole replied by using the love eye emoji. Paddy responded with an emoji kissing and writing, ‘u numero uno! [sic]

Cracks: The marriage hit it's first rough patch in 2018, when Paddy was snapped on a boozy night out with All Saints' Nicole Appleton (Christine and Paddy in 2018)

Cracks. In 2018 the marriage went through its first major crisis when Paddy was taken on a night out with All Saints Nicole Appleton (Christine & Paddy in 2018).

Paddy continued the cheeky banter in November with his montage featuring saints and a pic of Nicole’s All Saints band to mark All Saints Day.

He said, “Morning! Whatever your preference have a peaceful All Saints Day from the McGuinty’s. #AllSaintsDay’

Nicole replied with the blushing emoticon, as Paddy said, ‘Thanks!

In April, Nicole had liked at most 124 of Paddy’s 1,139 Instagram posts. 

Scandal: After she was spotted on Paddy's arm during their night out in London on Saturday, it was revealed that the pair have been exchanging tweets since the previous autumn (Nicole pictured in 2019)

Scandal: After she was spotted on Paddy’s arm during their night out in London on Saturday, it was revealed that the pair have been exchanging tweets since the previous autumn (Nicole pictured in 2019)

Christine posted cryptic messages on social media about “lies” and “deserving more” hours after photos of them emerged.

Twitter was her platform and she posted two messages about “things falling apart” and “deserving more”.

The first cryptic message read: ‘When you realise you deserve so much more.. that’s not a bad thing.’

This was followed by a longer, more emotive post on Instagram. She stated: ‘I believe everything happens because of a reason.

Flirty: Nicole responded with the love heart eyes emoji to which Paddy replied with an emoji blowing a kiss and writing: 'u numero uno!' [sic]

Flirty. Nicole replied with the love eyes emoji, to which Paddy responded by blowing kisses and writing “u number uno!” [sic]

“People can change, so it’s important to learn how to accept the things that go wrong and appreciate those moments when you are right.

“You must believe in lies to be able to eventually trust yourself. Sometimes, good things are broken so you can make better ones.

She also was captured in tears on what should have been an ordinary trip from the local Cheshire hair salon.

Christine talked about their ‘difficulty’ marriage after images of Paddy (47), and Nicole were published.

Cryptic: Hours after the photos emerged of the two out, Christine took to social media to share a number of cryptic posts about 'lies' and 'deserving more'

Cryptic. Christine shared a series of cryptic tweets about “lies” and “deserving more” hours after photographs of the couple were published.

She said that it had been hard recently in March 2018. We should spend more time together and do things together.

“I wish that he would go home more often, but I’d rather be there with him.” But, because of the hard work we’ve put into it, we’re happier than ever.

“There were times when he left for work, and I waved him off. Then I went back to my house and wept thinking that he should just stay there.

Christine spoke out about her drama in last year’s autobiography A Beautiful Nightmare. She revealed that after viewing the photographs, she felt “physically sick”.

Christine was shocked to learn that her husband regretted not answering her phone calls when the photos began circulating online.

Reality star wrote: “It was quite a sad moment.” These photos absolutely broke my heart.

After spending weeks in London, Patrick was ready to return home. He was filming The Keith & Paddy Picture Show and was due to come back, but rang me to tell me he was exhausted. Calmly I said to him: “Stay there!” “Get your job done. Come home when you’re finished.”

In the end, she chose to return him because she wanted to be a father to her children, something that was not possible growing up.

Blackpool’s native said that it was necessary to sweep the matter under the rug. Since then, I’ve not spoken about it. It hasn’t been discussed in any way, and we haven’t spoken publicly about it. 

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Parenting challenges 

Paddy and Christine’s three children – twins Penelope, and Leo, eight, and Felicity, six – have all been diagnosed with autism, with Paddy admitting he found their diagnosis ‘hard to come to terms with’ although it’s clear he loves them very much. 

He stated, “The first days of autism when we didn’t know anything were very difficult.”

“The children didn’t go to sleep, they would have meltdowns when there was loud music and bright light and no one could help them. The curtains were kept closed, and no one was allowed into our house.

Paddy is most afraid that his children won’t recognize how much he loves them because of their autism.

Challenges: Paddy and Christine's three children - twins Penelope, and Leo, eight, and Felicity, six - have all been diagnosed with autism, with Paddy admitting he found their diagnosis 'hard to come to terms with'

Problems: Christine and Paddy’s twins Penelope and Leo (eighteen and six-year-olds) were all diagnosed with autism. Paddy admitted that it was difficult for him to accept their diagnosis.

Christine explained that Patrick had worried for many years that their children wouldn’t feel loved or understood autism in the documentary Our Family and Autism. It aired December 2.

I’ve always maintained that they have autism. However, they sometimes struggle to express their feelings and are unable to accept the things we do for them.

Christine, who was autistic, admitted to being an autistic during the documentary. She said that she had struggled at school and made few friends as a child.

She revealed that Paddy was her only husband for eight years because it made her feel uncomfortable when she was around other people.

She stated that she had spent eight years living alone and not having any sort of contact other than her husband in her 20s. It was all about me. I avoided everyone. I never socialized, never had real friends and it was never an issue.

It’s something I thought for years. Even at school, I never felt the same. It’s something I know.

Worries: Paddy is most concerned that his children won’t recognize how much they are loved because of their autism.

Busy work schedules 

In 2019, Christine opened up about feeling like a ‘single parent’ as Paddy keeps up with his busy work schedule.

The Mirror interviewed the ex-Miss Britain about her experience as Miss Britain. She described the way she had to take charge at home, and care for the children alone while Paddy continued his exhausting work schedule. 

She told The Mirror: ‘I would be lying if I said it’s great. It’s not, it’s really tough.

“At this moment, I barely see him. Now it’s getting overwhelming.

“I sometimes feel like one parent.” I keep thinking it will quieten down soon but actually I don’t think it will.

‘I think work will be good for Paddy and he’s going to be very, very busy and so I don’t know what we’re going to do.’

Workaholic: In 2019, Christine opened up about feeling like a 'single parent' as Paddy keeps up with his busy work schedule (Paddy pictured on Top Gear in June)

Workaholic – Christine talked about how she felt like a “single mother” in 2019 as Paddy manages his hectic work schedule.

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Take separate holidays 

There have been fresh rumors that the couple are in love, with them having just returned from a vacation abroad.

Christine flew to Thailand with Chelcee Grimes for her first girls’ vacation, and Paddy was back from Thailand filming Top Gear. 

“Very difficult times”

Christine gave a few interviews after the breakup rumours. She admitted to having issues with the couple. 

She spoke last week about Paddy’s marriage on the ITV program Lorraine.

She said: ‘Marriages go through up and downs anyway, all marriages, especially long ones like ours – 15 years together, it’s not always going to be plain sailing but we’re trying to deal with things as privately as possible and we both want to be there to support the children and give them an amazing summer.

“We are going on a family vacation next week. We’re excited. They will always be our main focus.

Christine then spoke openly with The Sun’s Fabulous magazine, revealing that she was feeling “really raw” and that her feelings were all over the place. The things I may have endured in the past I wouldn’t tolerate now.

“I cannot deny that we’re having a very, very hard time,” she said. 

Having her say: After the recent breakup rumours, Christine did a number of interviews where she admitted the couple were have issues

Christine speaks out: Christine spoke out after the breakup rumours. She did several interviews in which she acknowledged that the couple had issues.

However, she was keen to clarify her name and say that it wasn’t her fault.

‘It’s just — we’ve been together 15 years, 11 years married: we are gonna have ups and downs — but this situation at the minute — I don’t want to go into it too much but I will just say that I didn’t cause this situation,’ she continued.

Christine dismissed all the difficulties as “ups and downsides” but added that their family bond would always remain strong, as they met as teenagers.

Cheating scandal

Paddy then was hit with claims that he had cheated upon Christine last year, amid speculation about their marital problems.

The Sun claims that Top Gear host Christine kissed another woman while Christine was asleep. Christine discovered this when Christine took part in The Games. 

Following a TV appearance last year, Paddy may have kissed the celebrity.

The Games’ source told The Games: “Everyone was talking. They knew all about Paddy rumors, and they were there, working closely with Christine.

Shock: According to The Sun, the Top Gear presenter kissed another woman behind Christine's back, with her finding out when she took part in The Games in May (Christine is pictured on The Games)

Shock: The Sun reports that Top Gear host Christine Kissed Another Woman behind Christine’s Back. Christine discovered this when Christine participated in The Games in May. Christine is shown on The Games.

“It was one those shows that everyone connected and loved Christine.

The Games were not a success because Paddy was absent. Christine learned more about Paddy and felt that she should know more.

 ‘A number of them told her about the kiss and that he’d been unfaithful. She was extremely upset and hurt.

MailOnline was contacted by Christine’s rep, who said that Christine was dealing privately with her marriage.

Cryptographic posts

Christine shared a number of quotes regarding love and trust earlier in the month.

The TV personality stated that she was a’most broken’ version of herself, but she is also the’strongest.

Christine shared some cryptic quotes that encouraged people to make positive decisions and completely re-create themselves.

Candid: Earlier this month, Christine appeared to address the rumours via social media, reposting a range of quotes about love and trust

Candid: Christine posted a variety of love-related quotes on social media earlier this month to dispel rumours.

Deep: Christine also shared a series of cryptic motivational quotes about 'trust', 'making positive choices' and 'completely re-creating yourself'

Deep: Christine also shared a series of cryptic motivational quotes about ‘trust’, ‘making positive choices’ and ‘completely re-creating yourself’

In an Instagram post, she said: “Regarding the media… The only thing that I need to clarify right now is… I did not put us in this position.

According to The Mirror, a source said that the past few months have been difficult. These problems are still very real.

Additionally, they stated that the couple is ‘trying’ to solve various issues.

'You're glowing, girl': The mother-of-three re-posted a series of motivational quotes about 'creating new habits and stepping into a life that actually lights you up'

‘You’re glowing, girl’: The mother-of-three re-posted a series of motivational quotes about ‘creating new habits and stepping into a life that actually lights you up’

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Absence of social media 

Since February when Christine posted an Instagram photo of Paddy and Christine to promote their podcast Table Talk, Christine has not shared an Instagram pic with Paddy. This image was a promo shot for the couple’s first podcast. It discusses the challenges families who have disabled or ill children must face. 

After her appearance on ITV’s The Games, Paddy’s public support was lacking. Fans also noticed that the two were snapped in what seemed to be an intense conversation. 

The couple celebrated their 11th anniversary of marriage on June 4th, but they didn’t post any social media updates about it. 

Paddy didn’t mention Christine when he wrote a birthday tribute earlier this month to Penelope and Leo.  

Paddy took a photo of Paddy with his grid, on Friday during their holiday. This was just hours before Paddy announced that they were splitting.

Hours before: Paddy finally shared a snap of the couple together to his grid on Friday on their make-or-break holiday, only hours before they announced their split

Paddy shared the photo of him and Paddy together with his grid just hours prior to their announcement about their split.

Splitsville  

They finally separated on Friday. The couple released a joint Instagram statement.

The authors wrote that they didn’t plan to share this information publicly until it was ready, but now we are forced to do so because of the privacy issues in our private lives.

“A few years ago, we had to make the difficult decision of splitting up. However, our main goal is to keep loving our children and continue supporting them.

It's over: The couple finally announced their separation on Friday, releasing a joint statement on Instagram

It’s done: Friday was the final day of their separation. They released a joint Instagram statement.

“This wasn’t an easy decision for me to make, but I’m determined to be the best parent we can for my three wonderful children. While we will always remain a loving and close-knit family, our relationship is strong. We also live together happily in the family home.

“We hope that this will draw a line at any unwanted or unnecessary intrusions into our private lives.

“Although our work is visible to the general public, we would appreciate your understanding of our privacy concerns. We’ll

MailOnline received this information from a source.Your NameChristine and John have given their whole lives to their union over the past years.

They have had to let go of their small family to care for them. Their children will be raised together.

“It has been openly stated that although it was a challenging few years for the couple, they continue to support each other throughout their separation.

Separation: A source told MailOnline: 'Paddy and Christine have given everything to their marriage over the years. Sadly, they have made the tough decision to part ways for the sake of their young family, who they will continue to co-parent together'

Separation They have had to make the difficult decision to separate for the good of their children, and will co-parent with them in the future.