She was once responsible for processing stories, but suddenly she found herself becoming the story. And less than a month after she was first pictured on a date with ‘friend’ Paddy McGuinness, BBC publicist Emma Carey has quit her role.
The Irish woman, a publicity director for BBC Radio 2, where Paddy presents his Sunday show, was photographed with the 53-year-old presenter in early August.
Emma, dressed in a plunging black halter neck top, looked smitten as they headed out for a date at the chic Rosewood Hotel near Covent Garden.
They later left for another nearby hotel, where they felt comfortable in each other’s company during the warm summer evening.
Announcing her departure from the Beeb for record label Columbia Records, Emma said online: ‘This has been in the making for a while, and it’s an absolute dream come true.
Less than a month after she was pictured on a date with ‘friend’ Paddy McGuinness, BBC publicist Emma Carey has quit her role
Daily Mail previously revealed that close friends of Paddy’s ex-wife Christine McGuinness, 38, are concerned about the match and behind the scenes alerted Irish publicist
“I am very excited to be part of such a talented promotional team, working with a selection of world-class international and domestic artists – and returning to my true passion: telling artists’ stories in creative and meaningful ways.”
She added of her BBC colleagues: “I am truly grateful for the memories, the opportunities and most of all the brilliant people I have worked with along the way. Now, on to the next chapter!’
Emma first joined the BBC in 2016, working in the press department, and later moved to Ireland in 2020 to take a job at RTE, the country’s public broadcaster. Last summer she returned to Britain to Radio 2 – when Paddy came clean about his marriage to Christine.
As publicity manager for the channel, Emma handled press coverage and promotion for her shows and talent.
A BBC insider said: ‘Emma no longer has to worry about what bosses or colleagues think about her relationship with Paddy. It’s an exciting new era for her.”
The Daily Mail previously revealed that close friends of Paddy’s ex-wife Christine McGuinness, 38, are concerned about the new competition and are behind the scenes warning the Irish publicist.
“Paddy only does what Paddy wants to do,” a source said, suggesting Emma better get used to playing second fiddle to the star’s work. “His career comes first.”
They continued: ‘Paddy can be very charming and of course he and Emma are clearly in the honeymoon period at the moment, staying in five star hotels and going out for nice meals.
‘He will win her food and drink her and do everything he can to impress her. Everything will be fine at first, it’s what comes next that Emma has to worry about. He can only hold on for so long.”
Paddy and model Christine were married for 11 years before splitting in 2022.
They have largely remained on good terms and have been living together, which they say is in the interests of twins Penelope and Leo, 13, and Felicity, ten, to avoid disruption to their routines.
Paddy and model Christine were married for 11 years before splitting in 2022
Christine recently told the Daily Mail that she and Paddy have a strict rule about returning dates.
“This is the family home, and Paddy and I have our lives outside,” she said.
‘But we never had many visitors at home, even when we were married. We don’t just introduce the children to anyone.
“So especially when it comes to dating, something like that will last a very, very long time, years and years and years.”
