Inside the downfall of Paddy and Christine McGuinness’ marriage from ‘cheating’ scandal to night with Nicole Appleton
PADDY and Christine McGuinness confirmed their shock split today after 15 years of marriage.
They were thought to be one of the most solid couples in showbiz but, despite their strong family unit, even they couldn't avoid some huge bumps in the road.
Christine, 34, and , 48, have insisted they remain devoted to being the "best parents" to their three children.
The stars will even continue living together to minimise disruption for their children, who have all been diagnosed with autism.
As well as overcoming family obstacles, Christine - who has revealed she is also autistic - and Paddy have had to deal with issues in their relationship in the glare of the spotlight.
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Paddy's night out with Nicole Appleton
While Paddy was working away in London in 2018 he was snapped on a night out with All Saints singer Nicole Appleton.
The pair were seen walking arm in arm, and Christine later revealed the photos made her so upset that she vomited after seeing them.
Because of the media storm Christine suddenly found herself in, with photographers following her on the school run, she retreated to her grandparents' house in Blackpool - where she received the advice that made her determined to work on the marriage.
Christine's nan told her: "Marriage is difficult. I've been though it all with Grandad, and look at us now. I wouldn't be without him."
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And it was those words that helped Christine to work through the tough period with Paddy. She added: "That advice has always stuck with me. People go through difficult times in marriage, family, work, life - everything."
The Games
Earlier this year Christine was one of the stars who took part in ITV's sporting competition The Games.
It was while she was away filming for the show that Christine is said to have found out an alleged snog Paddy had with a TV star last year.
A source on The Games told The Sun on Sunday: “Everyone was talking about it.
“The crew all knew about the Paddy rumours, and there they were, now working really closely with Christine.
“It was one of those shows where everyone bonded and everyone loved Christine.
“Paddy wasn’t around at all during The Games and the more people got to know Christine, the more they felt she deserved to know what he’d been up to.
“A number of them told her about the kiss and that he’d been unfaithful. She was very hurt and upset.”
Former The Real Housewives of Cheshire star Christine was also said to have been left "devastated" by Paddy's lack of public support for her as she competed.
Separate holidays
The couple sparked rumours of trouble in their relationship in June when they each jetted off for separate holidays.
Paddy jetted to Portugal with his mates and after he returned, Christine flew out on a girls’ trip to Croatia.
She and her new “BFF” (best friend forever) Chelcee Grimes partied with three other pals on the sunshine break.
Christine has become close to talented footballer and singer/songwriter Chelcee, 30, since they appeared together on The Games together.
On the holiday in Split, the pair were seen in social media footage filmed by friends walking along a promenade with their arms around each other.
They were also seen stroking each other’s bums and backs as they hit the bars and dined out with their pals.
Having her say
Earlier this month Christine took to social media to address the speculation surrounding her marriage - and insisted she hadn't caused the issues they were facing.
She wrote: "Regarding the press...
"There is only one thing I want to make clear right now... I didn't put us in this situation."
Christine also shared a quote that read: "This year I met the most broken version of me, but also the strongest."
Speaking exclusively to The Sun shortly afterwards, Christine said: "I think you’ve got to expect it [ups and downs] when you’ve been together for so long. Everyone grows and changes, and we’ve grown as a family, which is amazing. You know, that family bond will always be there, no matter what.
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"But I was a teenager when I met him and I’m a 34-year-old woman now, so I suppose what I might have put up with in the past, I probably wouldn’t put up with now – and the same for him.”