I've lived most of my life quite confused Wondering everyone seemed why okay and I wasn't

CHRISTINE McGuinness seemed to have it all three kids, a lovely home, and a successful TV career and marriage to a star.

- MITYA UNDERWOOD

Yet beneath the glamorous exterior, the former beauty queen was in turmoil and she did not know why.

Four years ago there was a lightbulb moment for Christine, 36, when she discovered that, like her children, she was on the autism spectrum.

That news changed the life of the former Real Housewives of Cheshire star. Since then she has made documentaries about the subject and also split from comedian husband and Radio 2 presenter Paddy McGuinness.

She says: "I lived most of my life quite confused, wondering why everyone else seemed to be okay and I wasn't. My diagnosis changed my life."

AMBITIOUS

"That's maybe not something anyone wants to shout about, because they want to look like they're doing well, they're independent." Christine is very grateful for all she has and is not craving any sympathy.

She says: "I'm extremely lucky. Of course, it's difficult when you've got personal things going on and it feels like everyone, the cat and the dog has an opinion about your life." Born in Blackpool, Christine grew up on a Liverpool council estate where there was little expectation that anyone would be a success.