Paddy McGuinness admits he’s ‘never happy’ since his twins were diagnosed with autism

PADDY McGuinness has admitted he "feels like he's drowning" since his twins were diagnosed with autism.

His wife Christine opened up about their twins Penelope and Leo's condition in a touching Instagram post on their fourth birthday.

In an honest new interview, Paddy, 43, and Christine, 29, - who are also parents to nine-month-old Felicity - opened up about their daily heartbreak seeing their children struggle.

Speaking to the , Paddy said: "Some days, it feels like you’re slowly drowning. It’s like you’re under water desperately swimming up to get oxygen, but never getting there.

"When I hear the word ‘autism’ I just feel so unhappy. I don’t like seeing how it affects my children. It upsets me so much seeing them getting so stressed out and frustrated. Every parent just wants their child to be happy and to protect them.

";I should be the happiest I have ever been with my career, family and friends, but I can honestly say I am never happy in myself now.

"I constantly worry about them. I would give up everything to take this condition away from them."

Christine added: "Every day our heart breaks".

Meanwhile, Christine broke down in tears on Friday's Loose Women as she opened up about Penelope and Leo's condition.

"Initially when they were diagnosed it was shock, instant shock, we had no idea they had autism although the signs were there.

"They were non verbal until they were three. They didn't socialise with other children very well and they still do struggle socialising with other children.

She added: "That's one of the most heartbreaking parts of it but it is quite common for children and adults with autism to struggle with socialising."

Speaking about her husband's reaction, she explained: "Paddy was completely stunned too. When we went away and researched it everything did fall into place and we had seen it but we just didn't know it was autism.

She continued: "But that was when I first found out. Since then I've done more research and I can be confident to say I'm the right mum for these and with lots of research and planning I know they can do anything.

"There is a sense of loss when your child is diagnosed with autism.

"The things you'd plan out - going to Butlins for the weekend or going to Blackpool or going on holidays you realise these things might not happen as they would normally."

But the star admitted once that initial shock wore off, she felt she is the "right mum" for her twins.

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