We can’t tell twins about Santa.. it would scare them
How Paddy & Christine tailor Xmas for autistic twins
Couple with their twins says: “We have different ideas and thoughts about autism, so it will be interesting. We are both quite opinionated.”
She also tells how Paddy had never expected to get the Top Gear job – as co-host with ex-cricketer turned TV star Freddie Flintoff, 41.
Christine adds: “Paddy said, ‘That’s never going to happen in a million years’. When he got the phone call, it was like ‘this is amazing’, this is his dream job. He loves cars, he gets on so well with Freddie. He’s going to have the best time.
“All Leo, our son, goes on about is Hot Wheels so he will be watching his dad.”
The job really is a change of gear for Paddy, known for his comedy roles with the likes of Peter Kay and Keith Lemon and as host of dating show Take Me Out. Top Gear will mean working away from home but, after a tough year, Christine is in a positive mood. She adds: “I know Paddy is going to be away but hopefully it will be a lot of backwards and forwards so the children won’t miss him too much.
“This year has been really poignant. I turned 30, I went back to work and got that ‘me’ time back as the twins have gone to school.
“Paddy and I are ending the year so much stronger. I think as a family, as a marriage, as a couple, as a mum and dad, we are stronger. This will be the best Christmas yet.”
halina.watts@mirror.co.uk
CHRISTINE MCGUINNESS ON TV CAREERS AND RAISING KIDS