'She's determined to make it MAGICAL FOR THE BOYS'

Cat Deeley prepares to celebrate her first Christmas post-split

- ARIANA LONGSON

For most of us, the buzzing excitement that comes with the buildup to Christmas is on the horizon.

But for Cat Deeley and Patrick Kielty the anticipation of a very different festive season looms. In July, This Morning presenter Cat, 49, and Northern Irish star Patrick shocked fans when they announced their separation after just under 13 years of marriage.

In a statement they said, 'We have taken the decision to end our marriage and are now separated. There is no other party involved.' Now the estranged couple, who share sons Milo, nine, and James, seven, are facing their first Christmas separated - something that is no doubt stirring up a range of emotions. 'It's been a year of big change for them and this Christmas will inevitably feel different,' a source tells Woman, adding, 'It's her first since the split from Patrick but Cat is determined to make it magical for their boys.'

A different Christmas

In past years the family have divided their Christmases between Cat's home city of Birmingham and Patrick's native Northern Ireland, with Patrick previously saying, 'Christmas is always where the tree is. Sometimes we have it with Cat's mum and dad and sometimes we have it in Dundrum.'