Christine McGuinness holds brilliant Pokémon picnic after autistic daughter struggles to leave bedroom

“I’ve struggled to get Penelope out of her bedroom recently, she is the sweetest girl who really enjoys her own space and company”

Christine McGuinness has revealed a “brilliant” way she helped her autistic daughter after she struggled to leave bedroom.

The Blackpool-born model was worried about her eldest daughter, nine-year-old Penelope, who “enjoys her own space and company”. The mum-of-three, who recently split from Paddy after 11 years of marriage, opened up with fans on Instagram and shared a moving post with her 682,000 followers.

Christine, 34, uploaded an adorable video showing her children happily playing together as they held a ‘Pokémon Picnic’ with their collection of Pokémon toys in the garden. Their pet cat also joined in the fun too.

She wrote: “So precious. I’ve struggled to get Penelope out of her bedroom recently, she is the sweetest girl who really enjoys her own space and company.

“Allowing her that quiet time alone and making sure she doesn’t isolate herself is a fine line. With the summer holidays almost over, I’m worried she might need time to settle back into school routine.

“Using her love for @pokemon and with support from Leo and Felicity, Penelope joined us outside for a ‘Pokémon picnic’ and she loved it. I’m so grateful they have each other. And I get to love them.”

The former Real Housewives of Cheshire star has previously opened up about her journey with Penelope and her twin Leo and their younger sibling Felicity, five, who all have autism. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition that can cause repetitive and restrictive behaviour.

Christine and ex-husband Paddy left BBC One viewers in tears last December with their emotional documentary Our Family and Autism. Christine revealed earlier in 2021 that she had also been diagnosed with autism at the age of 33.

Responding to the Pokémon picnic video post, one fan said: “Love this soooo much.”

Another replied: “Despite being a super famous, super photogenic and the Danny’s that life style makes on you, you always and forever have put your kids first.”

A third commented: “What a beautiful idea!! She’s so lucky to have you as her Mum.”

Another wrote: “This is soooo cute. I LOVE the display of all the figures on the steps. Incredible job. Well done kids.”

A fifth person replied: “That’s great x I love Pokémon too. I have done since I was 8. It was my special interest and it’s still cool now.”

Another said: “We have the same battle. It really is a fine line to make sure she’s happy, plus not isolating herself. Siblings really help where parents can’t x”

Jon MacphersonChief Reporter