Christine McGuinness candidly reveals how she struggled to make friends as a child decades before her autism diagnosis as she launches star-studded Children in Need appeal

Christine McGuinness has opened up about her ‘struggle’ to make friends when she was younger as she helped launch BBC Children In Need’s star-studded appeal on Monday.

The TV personality, 35, is one of many celebrities, including radio DJ Roman Kemp and former Love Island presenter Laura Whitmore, to support this year’s Spotacular campaign.

Christine, who was diagnosed with autism in 2021 at the age of 33, said: “My childhood was a lot of fun. I remember playing outside with my brother and sister, and just being at home with my mother.’

Earlier this year, the model released the BBC documentary Christine McGuinness: Unmasking My Autism, a journey of self-discovery that reveals the links between her autism and the challenges of growing up.

She continued: ‘When I was younger I really struggled at school, I struggled to make friends, to socialize and to fit in. I always felt most comfortable at home. (My) mother was always the most positive mother.

Family: Christine (far left), who was diagnosed with autism in 2021 at the age of 33, said: ‘My childhood was a lot of fun. I remember playing outside with my brother and sister, and just being at home with my mother.”

“And she always made me feel like I could just be comfortable, and she just loves me and she made me laugh every day.”

Christine continued, “Thank you mom so much for being the most amazing and strongest person and an independent woman.”

Before adding: ‘Being a mother of three myself, she has really inspired me to keep smiling every day and to make me believe that it’s okay to just be yourself and that’s the message I’m sending now my three children. ‘

Christine shares three children, Felicity, and twins Leo and Penelope, with her estranged husband, Top Gear presenter Paddy, 50.

The charity raises money for children and young people dealing with mental health issues and difficult circumstances, and puts the spotlight on positive relationships.

A range of official T-shirts designed by Liz Pichon, children’s author and illustrator of the Tom Gates series, will be worn by famous faces to boost the fundraising campaign.

Retired athlete Dame Jessica Ennis-Hill, presenter Dame Kelly Holmes, former footballer Jermaine Jenas, The One Show presenter Alex Jones, former Lioness Jill Scott, S Club singer Rachel Stevens, YouTube fitness coach Joe Wicks and rapper Big Zuu also supported the Children In Campaign needed.

Good cause: Christine is one of many 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 money for children and young people dealing with mental health issues and difficult circumstances, and puts the spotlight on positive relationships

Thank you: Laura, 38, said: ‘I grew up in a single-parent home and the person who believed in me and made me feel happy and positive growing up was my mother’

Pose: A range of official T-shirts designed by Liz Pichon, best-selling children’s book author and illustrator of the Tom Gates series, are worn by famous faces to boost fundraising (LR Oti Mabuse and Rachel Stevens)

Busy Man: National PE teacher Joe Wicks took time out from training to help with the campaign

Gorgeous: Loose ladies Katie Piper looked stunning as she tucked her Children In Need T-shirt into high-waisted denim shorts

Meanwhile, Laura, 38, said: “I grew up in a single-parent home and the person who believed in me and made me feel happy and positive growing up was my mother.

“My mom is an amazing woman and worked so hard to get me to do all the crazy things I wanted to do.

“She has always been there to support me and continues to support me throughout my adult life.

Adding: ‘Every child deserves a positive relationship in their life that supports them and gives them the support they need to be the best they can be, so I hope everyone across Britain will get behind this year’s appeal stands.’

Looking good: The One Show’s Jermaine Jenas rocked a black T-shirt and cuddled with the charity’s famous mascot

Doctor’s advice: Doctors Ranj Singh (L) and Alex George (R)

Getting involved: Influencer Saffron Barker also helped with the campaign

Athletes: Kelly Holmes (L) and Jill Scott (R) traded their sports for a pair of fluffy yellow ears

Beaming: British rapper Big Zuu couldn’t contain his giggles

The One Show and Morning Live will ask viewers to be ‘Spototacular’ in the coming weeks, kicking off on Monday at 7pm on BBC One.

Host Alex Jones said: ‘We’re really excited to help Children in Need boost this year’s appeal by asking people to ‘Challenge Yourself’.

‘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: (L-R) BBC’s Owain Wynn Evans and TikTok star Richard Sales

Tasty: Chef and author Ravneet Gill will no doubt rustle up a tasty treat to raise money for the chair

Aid: The money raised for the 2023 appeal will go towards creating ‘more positive relationships that will help strengthen the well-being of children and help them face the challenges in their lives (YouTube star Formz in photo)

Coming soon: BBC Children In Need For The Great SPOTacular Appeal Show airs Friday 17 November 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 great cause.’

The money raised for the 2023 appeal will go towards creating ‘more positive relationships that will help strengthen children’s wellbeing and help them overcome the challenges in their lives’.

BBC Children In Need For The Great SPOTacular Appeal Show airs on Friday November 17 at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.