MUM’S THE WORD

Christine Mcguinness has admitted that it’s been ‘really tough’ not having her husband Paddy [below right] around while he’s been filming

Top Gear. She said: ‘I would be lying if I said it’s great. It’s not, it’s really tough. At the moment I barely see him. It is getting to the point now where I feel it is overwhelming and too much. I feel like a single parent at times.’

The pair share five-yearold twins Penelope and Leo, who both have autism, and a two-year-old daughter Felicity [right]. I find two small children hard work at times, let alone three. Some parents say looking after children with autism is more challenging for lots of reasons, so that adds another dynamic for Christine. There are also a lot of single parents who

do it by themselves without any extra emotional or financial support.

Millie was an easy baby and I still found it hard at times, even with Pete’s support. I think I found it tough because I was quite young, and like a lot of new mums I wasn’t that confident. If I went out and she was crying I’d feel embarrassed, even though no one was judging me. I think you just feel under scrutiny all the time and worry whether or not you’re doing things right. Now I’m a lot more confident. Pete was recently away on tour and when he’s away it’s always a challenge but I’m more used to it now. The kids are older, they sleep through and they’re more self-sufficient. They’re in bed by 7pm so I have the evening to myself, which is a luxury!