It Hurts I Was Never Able To Help My Mum

The comedian opens up about his childhood, married life with wife Christine and the impact his children’s autism has had on his family.

- Lily Smith

He’s the funnyman known on TV for his cheerful demeanor, strong Bolton accent and cheeky catchphrases. But in a rare moving interview, comedian Paddy McGuinness has shown an uncharacteristically emotional side to him. 

Speaking to his pal John Bishop on his new interview show In Conversation With… the Take Me Out presenter, 44, reveals one of his biggest heartaches.

Welling up, Paddy said, “Growing up, even though we had nothing, I was always happy. It was just me and my mum. I never lived with my dad, but I used to see him at weekends.”

THE REAL HERO 

Paddy – who was raised by his mum Pat after his parents split – added, “As a child, I loved it when my dad turned up because he’d buy me a toy. I thought my dad was the best thing since sliced bread because we’d go out and have fun, and the rest of the week you’ve got your mum going, ‘Have you done your homework? You’ve got to go to bed…’ She’ll be instilling the rules and you’re like, ‘Oh God, my mum does my head in – I wish I could live with Dad.’