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Christine McGuinness makes fans ‘proud’ as she overcomes fear and shares autism diagnosis on Strictly The Real Full Monty
Christine stepped outside of her comfort zone (Picture: Rex Features)
Christine McGuinness overcame a huge fear on Strictly The Real Full Monty.
The model and presenter, who is married to Take Me Out host Paddy McGuinness, is taking part in this year’s edition of the ITV strip, alongside the likes of Laila Morse and Brenda Edwards, to raise awareness for cancer.
During the first task, host Ashley Banjo got each celebrity to dance in front of the group one by one.
However, it proved to be a particularly difficult task for Christine, who admitted dancing in front of others was a fear of hers.
As Ashley repeatedly tried to coax her up on-stage, the mum-of-three said she would only feel comfortable dancing together in one group.
Eventually, she was persuaded to take centre stage and as the music played, Christine showed off a few dance moves as her fellow celebrities cheered her on.
Christine is taking part in this year’s strip (Picture: ITV)
Speaking to Ashley after the challenge, Christine explained: ‘I prefer to blend in, i’m so used to be at home with my children.
‘I’m absolutely petrified.’
In a VT, Christine then detailed how she was drawn to take part in the strip after four of her aunties were diagnosed with breast cancer, and one passing away.
The 33-year-old later faced another difficult challenge in a group setting, learning choreography from James Jordan. However, she broke down in tears after being unable to cope with everyone watching on.
During a heart-to-heart with James, Christine revealed her autism diagnosis for the first time.
‘I find it so intense because they’re staring. I feel really silly for getting upset over the eye contact,’ she told him.
‘I’m actually autistic and eye contact is one of the things I really struggle with. I find it really difficult and that’s why.’
James then reassured her: ‘I didn’t think you were being difficult at all, I was more concerned with why you were upset.’
After opening up, Christine admitted: ‘I feel relieved. I would rather say I’m autistic than be difficult.’
Viewers applauded the star for overcoming her fear of dancing in public, especially as her autism diagnosis wasn’t widely known at the time of filming.
One tweeted in support: ‘Christine you are amazing! Not only raising awareness for Cancer, but also Autism in women which so many need support with.’
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‘It’s so sad to think when they were filming the real full monty christine mcguinness was so uncomfortable but at that point we didn’t know she was autistic so it must have been double as hard she’s amazing,’ one said.
Another viewer reacted: ‘Christine is so beautiful and brave. I wouldn’t be able to get up in front of anyone never mind celebrities.’
One other said: ‘Well done Christine, I feel the same, rather dance on my own than around people.’
Strictly The Real Full Monty airs on ITV tonight and will be available on ITV Hub.
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