Christine McGuinness says her daughter 'didn't want to live' after pandemic

Christine McGuinness has revealed that her daughter didn't "want to live anymore" because of COVID restrictions.

McGuinness said her daughter, who is nine and autistic, was not able to play with her usual group of friends because of 'bubbles' which limited interaction between children.

Speaking to The Sun's Fabulous magazine, the model and presenter talked about her daughter's battles during the pandemic: “She took it very personally. And she said, ‘Mummy, I don’t want to live anymore. I want to go to heaven.'"

Read more: Christine McGuinness says granny's advice saved her marriage

McGuinness also described her own reaction to her daughter's struggles: “The panic for me of, ‘What if she does do something, not understanding that that thing is forever?’ It was a heartbreaking time and probably one of the most difficult conversations I will ever have in my life.”

She added: “She’s very emotional. She doesn’t understand her emotions very well. That’s something that we’ve had to try to teach her."

McGuinness has three children with Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness, all of whom have been diagnosed with autism.

Read more: Christine McGuinness admits she and husband Paddy are 'having a very difficult time'

Last year, the family made a documentary for the BBC about their journey with autism entitled Paddy and Christine McGuinness: Our Family and Autism.

McGuinness also recently discussed the "ups and downs" of being married to the former Phoenix Nights star.

Appearing on Lorraine, she said: “I think all marriages – especially long ones like ours – it’s not always going to be plain sailing but we’re trying to deal with things as privately as possible.

“We just want to be there to support the children and have an amazing summer. We’re going away on a family holiday next week and we’re really excited. They’re always going to be our focus.”

Paddy and Christine first met in 2007 and married in 2011.

For confidential emotional support at times of distress, contact The Samaritans at any time by calling 116 123 or emailing jo@samaritans.org.

Watch below: Christine McGuinness admits to 'ups and downs' in married life with Paddy McGuinness