They say time is a healer, and that’s certainly the case for Christine McGuinness – who is “living her best life” a year on from her split from husband Paddy, a source tells OK! .
The 35-year-old set tongues wagging last week when she was spotted holding hands and locking lips with pal Chelcee Grimes during a girls’ holiday in Ibiza.
As she navigates her divorce, Christine – who announced the end of her 11-year marriage in July 2022 – is said to have been leaning on songwriter and ex-footballer Chelcee, 31, over the past 12 months.
"Christine is living her best, carefree life," our source said. "She’s just enjoying feeling liberated.
"She relies on close friend Chelcee. They’ve always had the same sense of humour and, if ever Christine is having doubts over her life choices, Chelcee is there."
As well as Chelcee, our source said that Blue singer Duncan James has also been a huge support for Christine.
"Duncan and Christine have been close for years and, after doing Celebrity Hunted together, they’re even closer," they explained. "He knows about the struggles of having your love life speculated on in the spotlight and he’s helping her every step of the way."
Christine and Paddy, who are parents to twins Penelope and Leo, 10, and Felicity, six, were believed to have been separated "a while" before confirming the news in a joint statement last summer.
"This was not an easy decision to make but we’re moving forward as the best parents we can be for our three beautiful children," they said at the time, before adding that they’ll "always be a loving family" and they "still have a great relationship".
The pair have continued to live together for the sake of their children and recently celebrated Paddy’s 50th birthday as a family at their Cheshire home.
Christine previously explained that they haven’t told their three children, who have autism, about their split.
The former model, who was also diagnosed with the condition in 2021, said, "It’s nice for them to see Mummy and Daddy doing alright."
Our source continued, "Paddy is still her ‘acting husband’ as they’re continuing to maintain a united front for the kids.
"Though Christine still loves Paddy for the sake of their kids and they’re the perfect co-parenting partners, she’s loving the freedom of not being tied down and being able to enjoy a snog and a giggle whenever she wants."
Christine’s career is only going from strength to strength, too.
"She’s got the world at her feet with lots of exciting plans in the pipeline," the source added. "She’s excited for this next chapter."
Christine, who has since returned from her Spanish getaway, grew close to Chelcee after first meeting on ITV1’s The Games last year.
In December, the pair were pictured kissing as they enjoyed an outing to Winter Wonderland at London’s Hyde Park.
Speaking about their friendship this year, Christine praised Liverpool-born Chelcee as "great" and said, "We have such a laugh together and obviously she’s based up north too, but I love catching up with everyone from The Games whenever I can."
Last week, Christine took to Instagram Stories to clear up speculation that she had missed Paddy’s milestone birthday while away, explaining that her holiday was "over a week ago".
"Patrick is my ex, my ex of well over a year, (let me just remind you, I did not cause the breakdown of our marriage)," she wrote. "I’ve never spoken about this fully, I will also remind everyone that I am not silenced and will speak if/when I choose to.
"I got him a birthday cake, presents and made cards with our children. I’ve done this for our children to celebrate Daddy’s birthday.
"We spent his 50th at home together and he celebrated separately with his friends on various different holidays over the last few weeks."
Christine added that she’s "just a mum doing the best she can whilst living with her ex going through a divorce".
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