Christine McGuinness, the ex-wife of Paddy McGuinness, has opened up about her decision to keep her married name despite the couple divorcing three years ago.
Presenter Paddy and Christine, who is also known for her modelling and reality TV work, tied the knot in 2011 but went their separate ways in June 2022.
Despite the split, they've continued cohabiting to maintain stability for their three young children, all of whom are on the autism spectrum.
When asked why she's chosen to keep Paddy's surname, the 37-year-old explained that she feels no pressure to make a change since it represents their family unit, reports the Liverpool Echo.
"Obviously, I married into that name and that's our family name, and I don't feel under any pressure from him or from anybody to change it," she explained.
In a conversation with YouTuber Shizzio, Christine confirmed that Paddy, 51, hasn't suggested she drop the name, saying: "God no, no, no, no."
She reflected on their time together, stating: "I think he'd be upset if I did because, you know, 15 years, that's not a failed marriage.
"We've done really, really well and we still get on, and we've got our gorgeous kids from it, so that was the best."
Asked if she cared that people may think she is "hanging off the name", Christine said fans will probably realise "it would be a lot" to change.
"But, I want the same name as my children, it's as simple as that."
She also mentioned trying to alter her surname on social media but found it challenging due to her verified status.
During the candid interview, Christine revealed she's still paying off the hefty £300,000 legal bill from her divorce.
She reportedly enlisted the services of high-profile solicitor Catherine Bedford, known for representing celebrities like Lisa Armstrong, the former wife of TV star Ant McPartlin.
Christine reflected on the ups and downs of the divorce, saying: "There were times when it was fine and really civil, and we were agreeing on what we wanted and what we were doing."
She added, "And then there were times where it felt like we were starting all the way back at the beginning, but yeah it's the biggest bill I have ever paid in my life.
"And I will say that I paid for my own divorce, nobody else."
Looking back, the mother-of-three expressed that with hindsight, they might have handled the proceedings "completely differently" to save on the costs incurred by both parties.
Christine went on to say that neither party "won" the case or "fought" for the £6.5 million Cheshire home they both own, though insisted it may become trickier when one of them wants to sell it.
"I certainly cannot buy him out, if I could, of course I would," she continued. "And I can't speak for [him]."
