Christine McGuinness has spoken about her “difficulties” making friends when she was younger as she helped launch BBC Children In Need’s star-studded appeal on Monday.
The 35-year-old TV personality is one of several celebrities supporting this year’s Spotacular campaign, including radio DJ Roman Kemp and former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore.
Christine, who was diagnosed with autism in 2021 at the age of 33, said: “My childhood was really fun.” I remember playing outside with my brother and sister and just being at home with my mother.
Earlier this year, the model released a BBC documentary called Christine McGuinness: Unmasking My Autism, a journey of self-discovery that uncovers the connections between her autism and difficulties growing up.
She continued: “When I was younger I struggled a lot at school, I struggled to make friends, socialize and fit in, I always felt most comfortable at home.” [My] Mom was always the most positive mother.
Candid: Christine McGuinness, 35, has spoken about her “difficulties” making friends when she was younger as she helped launch BBC Children In Need’s star-studded appeal on Monday
Family: Christine (far left), who was diagnosed with autism in 2021 at the age of 33, said: “My childhood was really fun.” I remember playing outside with my brother and sister and just being at home my mother was.
“And she always made me feel like I could just be comfortable and she just loved me and she made me smile every day.”
Christine continued, “Thank you so much mom for being the most amazing and strongest person and an independent woman.”
Before adding, “She has inspired me tremendously, as a mother of three myself, to smile every day to keep myself and make me believe that it’s okay to just be yourself and that is the message that I now pass on to my three children.”‘
Christine has three children, Felicity, and twins Leo and Penelope, with her estranged husband, Top Gear presenter Paddy, 50.
The charity raises funds for children and young people with mental health problems and difficult circumstances and places an emphasis on positive relationships.
A range of official t-shirts designed by Liz Pichon, bestselling children’s author and illustrator of the Tom Gates series, will be worn by famous faces to boost the fundraising campaign.
Retired sportswoman Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, presenter Dame Kelly Holmes, former footballer Jermaine Jenas, One Show presenter Alex Jones, former Lioness Jill Scott, S Club singer Rachel Stevens, YouTube fitness trainer Joe Wicks and rapper Big Zuu also supported the Children In Need campaign.
Good cause: Christine is one of several celebrities, including radio DJ Roman Kemp and former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore (pictured), to support this year’s Spotacular campaign
Sharing is caring: The charity raises funds for children and young people with mental health problems and difficult life circumstances, emphasizing positive relationships
Thanks: Laura, 38, said: “I grew up in a single-parent household and the person who believed in me and made me feel happy and positive throughout my childhood was my mother.”
Pose: A range of official t-shirts designed by Liz Pichon, bestselling children’s author and illustrator of the Tom Gates series, will be worn by famous faces to promote the fundraising campaign (LR Oti Mabuse and Rachel Stevens).
Busy man: Statewide physical education teacher Joe Wicks took time off from training to help with the campaign
Gorgeous: Loose Women’s Katie Piper looked stunning as she tucked her Children In Need T-shirt into a pair of high-waisted denim shorts
Meanwhile, Laura, 38, said: “I grew up in a single-parent household and the person who believed in me and made me feel happy and positive throughout my childhood was my mother.”
“My mom is an incredible woman and worked so hard so I could do all the crazy things I wanted to do.”
“She has always been there to support me and continues to support me now in my adult life.”
Adding: “Every child deserves a positive relationship in their life that advocates for them and gives them the support they need to achieve their best. That’s why I hope everyone across the UK supports this year’s appeal.”
Looking good: The One Show’s Jermaine Jenas wore a black T-shirt and snuggled up to the charity’s famous mascot
Medical order: Doctors Ranj Singh (left) and Alex George (right)
Get involved: Influencer Saffron Barker also helped with the campaign
Athletes: Kelly Holmes (left) and Jill Scott (right) swapped their sports for a pair of fluffy yellow ears
Beaming: British rapper Big Zuu couldn’t suppress his giggles
The One Show and Morning Live will be asking viewers to be “spotcular” in the coming weeks. It launches on Monday at 7pm on BBC One.
Presenter Alex Jones said: “We’re really excited to help Children in Need launch this year’s appeal by asking people to challenge themselves.”
“Whether it’s climbing a mountain or learning your favorite dance routine, everyone can get involved by taking on a challenge big or small.”
Star-studded: (LR) BBC’s Owain Wynn Evans and TikTok star Richard Sales
Yummy: Chef and author Ravneet Gill will no doubt prepare a tasty treat to raise money for the chair
Help: Money raised for the 2023 appeal will be used to build “more positive relationships” that will help strengthen children’s wellbeing and help them cope with the challenges in their lives (pictured: YouTube star Formz).
Coming soon: BBC Children In Need For The Great SPOTacular Appeal Show airs on Friday November 17th at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer (Dr Julie Smith pictured)
“With the help of a very special One Show Challenge Squad, we hope to inspire people and raise as much money as possible for this incredible cause.”
Money raised for the 2023 appeal will be used to build “more positive relationships that will help strengthen children’s wellbeing and help them cope with the challenges in their lives”.
The BBC Children In Need For The Great SPOTacular Appeal Show airs on Friday November 17th at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.