Christine - ‘I'M NOT A TROPHY WIFE!'

As Christine McGuinness’ star continues to rise, can Paddy handle his wife’s increasing fame?

- CHLOE THOMAS

When Paddy met Christine back in 2007, he was a rising TV star known for Phoenix Nights, while she was a lesser-known model and one-time Miss Liverpool winner. Their lavish wedding in 2011 had some 200 guests, including Paddy’s best man, the comedian Peter Kay, who has been his friend since childhood.

Fast-forward more than a decade and the couple, who have three children, are now red-carpet regulars, with the cameras catching their every move. As well as hosting BBC1’s Top Gear, Paddy, 48, also fronts Question of Sport. But far from still being in the shadow of her husband, Christine has now carved out a successful career in the spotlight and could soon be set to eclipse her other half.

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

A source told Woman’s Own, ‘Christine’s career has rightfully taken a front seat, having spent years being a working mum from home. Christine chooses jobs mostly to work with the family dynamics, but now work is coming in from further afield the bright lights are calling.’

The 33-year-old is now one of the top social-media influencers, boasting a whopping 649,000 followers and counting, with a multitude of brands jostling to advertise on her profile. She also appeared on the hit ITV show Strictly The Real Full Monty and her autobiography, A Beautiful Nightmare, which was released in November, has already become an Amazon bestseller. Christine is now a regular panellist on the ITV show