Christine McGuinness shares heartache overt her autistic children's lockdown struggles

Christine McGuinness has revealed her heartbreak as she told how her three autistic children have become more “physical” with her and with each other amid lockdown.

The star and her husband Paddy McGuinness are parents to seven-year-old twins Leo and Penelope and five-year-old Felicity, who are all on the autistic spectrum, and Christine previously admitted they were “struggling” amid the coronavirus pandemic.

She has now opened up again on Instagram, sharing a message she had sent to a fellow parent of a child with special education needs (SEN).

Read more: Christine and Paddy McGuinness in disabled parking bay row

It said: “I totally understand, all three of mine have got more physical with me and each other recently, it's awful."

Adding heartbroken and crying emojis, she went on: “I barely recognise them sometimes and I just paint a smile on like everything is fine.

"Thinking of you lots, stay strong. This time will pass."

Watch: Christine McGuinness breaks down over mum's cancer battle

Christine said in the accompanying caption: “Day 1 : Lockdown 3.

“This may or may not help anyone but this is ‘real life’ I just want to let my SEN families know you are not alone, I hear you, I understand.

“For me personally I feel good, I am very head strong and I love to stay positive but I can’t deny what these lockdowns are doing to my children. My children are not the same little people they were this time last year.

Read more: Christine McGuinness on why Christmas upsets her kids

“The pandemic is affecting everyone differently, whether it’s your business, your mental health, a loss of life...

“Covid is hitting everyone hard in different ways it’s heart-breaking.

“I pray every day. I hope it passes soon.”

“Thinking of you all, sending love and light to each and every one of you,” she added.

Watch: Christine McGuinness says there's NO WAY she could do a reality show with husband Paddy