Sexy snaps, secret lover & savvy house move – how Christine McGuinness’ bossed her break up to be ultimate divorce diva

CHRISTINE McGuinness is certainly stepping into a dazzling new chapter of her life, “radiating confidence and excitement” after her split from Paddy.

From embracing her inner sexy-self to igniting a secret romance, she’s proving that she’s truly the one “winning” post-divorce. 

Since their separation in 2022 after an 11-year marriage, Christine has noticeably blossomed. 

The 36-year-old has even described herself as a “completely different person” when surrounded by those she trusts.

The Top Gear presenter, 51, and Christine have remained living together in their £2.5million mansion in Cheshire for the sake of their three kids, twins Penelope and Leo, 10, and seven-year-old daughter Felicity since the split.

And now as her lengthy divorce battle wraps up, Christine is taking charge of her life, staying at their stunning family home and Paddy will still have the option to visit whenever he chooses. 

Earlier this week, The Sun Newspaper exclusively revealed that it took Paddy one minute to make a divorce gag as he returned to stand-up comedy. 

Addressing his near-sellout crowd at Blackburn’s King George’s Hall, Bolton-born Paddy said: “It’s all about love and respect tonight.

“Loads of love in this room. I don’t care what race you are, what religion, what your sexuality is.

“I don’t care how you identify. You can identify as a cat, for all I care.

“Put your litter tray in the corner, knock yourself out.

“Tonight, folks, we’re all here as human beings with one common goal - and that’s to help me pay for my divorce. I’ve had the pants down, me, the pants down.”

Following this, it was reported that Christine was “distraught” over the thought of people “laughing” at her.

But since her split, Christine has appeared to take “the higher ground” and there are a few simple giveaway signs which prove her strength. 

Body language expert Judi James believes that with her newfound freedom and self-assuredness, Christine is ready to embrace whatever comes next. 

She says: “Forget the house, the car and even the cash, three of the most precious assets that any woman should try to take out of a marriage are her self-respect, her dignity and her confidence. 

“Silence might seem like weakness but it’s the opposite when it’s a ‘dignified silence’ in the face of ridicule or bitterness, especially when there are kids involved.

“Celebs like Christine are rapidly becoming the new ‘when they go low, we go higher’ divorce role models.”

Sizzling snaps

Posting to her 736,000 Instagram followers, Christine is not afraid of posting a sizzling picture whilst she’s on holiday.

Whether it’s a topless picture from the back, or lounging around in a string bikini to show off her assets, Christine proves she is genuinely “not bothered”.

Judi says: “What better way to say ‘I’m not concerned’ than stretching out on a sunlounger in a daring bikini, or even more, going topless. 

“Christine makes being sexy look effortless.

“The stress of a divorce can be contagious for a family but Christine’s body language in her daring and sexy Instagram pictures seem to reassure everyone that she is still in charge, still strong and not over-phased by any mockery. 

“Far from any emotional vulnerability, Christine looks like she’s ready for work and still at the top of her game.”

Showing strength

Christine has shown no signs of slowing down either. If anything, she has sped up. 

In 2020, she was diagnosed with autism and ADHD after spending the majority of her life confused as to why she acted differently from everyone else growing up. 

Since then, the TV star has been raising awareness for it through interviews, television shows and public speaking. 

Taking to Instagram, she shared a picture of herself raising awareness for ADHD at the Less Int Festival.

She wrote: “Public speaking is definitely not my comfort zone but a wise woman told me…

‘Always remember that your life purpose, your dream, your passion, your destiny is so much bigger than your fear.. now get on that stage and use your voice.’

“(the wise woman was me. I have to repeat this quote to myself before every public event!)

“I don’t take these moments for granted, being given an opportunity to help others understand, to be more aware, to be more accepting and inclusive for all neurodivergence, it truly is an honour.”

Proving her achievements

She regularly posts Instagram pictures of herself in fitness attire, whilst also sharing her journey on BBC Two show Pilgrimage. 

This involved seven celebrities of differing faiths and beliefs experiencing an emotional journey on a pilgrimage in north Wales, a route linked by churches dedicated to early Celtic Christian saints.

Judi says: “Christine defines both physical strength and goal-achievements.

“She has posted pictures in fitness gear, with her back is ramrod straight and her arms held to her sides but away from her body, both suggesting physical and mental power. 

“She is showing signs of leadership and the view she’s surveying reeks of future challenges and achievements rather than marinating in her own marriage woes. 

“Even showing off the muscles on her legs gives an impression of power. 

“While other women resort to the desperate ‘revenge dress’ or weight loss pics, Christine opts to look toned and mighty here.”

Secret new love

Christine admitted that she “delayed dating for a long time” before she met her new mystery partner, and that she has “been dating” since June.

And although she admitted that she will “never marry again” after going through her divorce, even though it was amicable and the pair are reported to maintain a strong relationship. 

Opening up about moving on from her ex-husband Christine revealed the moment she met her special new person and said she's the “calmest she's ever been.”

She began: “I met them on my birthday through mutual friends and we’ve been dating since June. It’s someone I know. 

“I wasn’t thinking anything at the time but we kept in touch and it’s so nice and laid back.”

Not a regular mum, a cool mum 

Christine takes pride in being a mum, having also raised awareness for children who live with autism too. 

Although she understandably refrains from showing their faces, Christine will regularly post fun snaps on days out with her kids. 

Looking at her family days out, Judi says: “She might not be cracking jokes at her husband’s expense but she’s showing high levels of humour that is converted into play, exercise and adventure trips with her kids. 

“High-energy and a strong desire to create a buzz of excitement on holiday with no signs of any navel-gazing or wound-licking here.”