The mum-of-three said a lot of people won’t understand
21:24, 20 Sep 2025Updated 22:20, 20 Sep 2025
Christine McGuinness at the National Diversity Awards 2025.
Christine McGuinness has opened up on a part of her life that she says she doesn’t “really show”. The 37-year-old TV personality was one of the many famous faces in attendance at the National Diversity Awards 2025.
The star-studded ceremony returned to the city on Friday, September 19 and was once again hosted at the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. The prestigious black-tie event celebrates the achievements of grassroots communities that tackle issues in today’s society by recognising their dedication and hard work.
This year was no different with charities, role models and community heroes all being honoured. Christine was there to hand out the Celebrity of The Year Award, which went to Halewood’s Danny Beard.
After delivering a speech on stage, the ECHO spoke with Christine about what it meant for her to be involved with the National Diversity Awards, given her later-in-life diagnosis with autism and ADHD in 2021. Christine and ex-husband Paddy McGuiness children, Penelope, Leo and Felicity also have autism.
The 2023 event at Liverpool Cathedral(Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
She said: “I’ve been coming to these awards for years. I won last year for my neurodiverse work. Now tonight, given the award to Danny Beard for Celebrity of The Year, is so exciting. I filmed here for my documentary and when I was giving an award out, I was stood at the side of the stage, I was so nervous.
“I’d never spoken on stage before, and I was shaking. Every year, I come back and say a little bit more. People always think I’m probably used to it, so it’s fine, but I’m autistic, so I can do it, but when no one is looking, I will be standing twiddling, going over my notes, but that is just part of me and that is ok. But it is a part of me I don’t really show.
“Everyone always asks how are you, how are the children, how is the family and I love that. I love that everyone asks but I tend to think of the outsiders – who I can reach out to and who can I talk to about autism.
Christine McGuinness on ITV’s Lorraine(Image: ITV)
“A lot of people have heard of autism now, but there are still a lot of people who don’t understand it, unless it is in your family, you wont. So when people ask, I say the kids are great, sometimes, it is a challenge but they are thriving in other areas, which is amazing. “
The National Diversity Awards, which has been described by organisers as “Golden Globe-like”, were hosted by Claire Balding. This was the broadcaster and presenter’s third year being at the front of it.
She said: “Recognising the individuals, organisations and charities that go above and beyond to improve their communities is truly vital.
Claire Balding speaks at the National Diversity Awards at Liverpool Cathedral(Image: Liverpool Echo)
“These inspiring and uplifting awards shine a spotlight on the incredible strength and positivity of an inclusive society, celebrating community heroes whose dedication and achievements might otherwise go unrecognised.”
Among the finalists were a blind veteran championing accessibility, a young changemaker spotlighting youth violence, a trans activist and a fashion designer innovating with adaptive clothing.
Paul Sesay, Founder and CEO of Inclusive Companies, said: “The unsung heroes help us to realise how much goodness and humility there is at the heart of our communities.
“The work these people do and the empathy they show is more important than it has ever been.
“We are living in a time when funding and support are limited,” he continues. “This makes community action invaluable as a resource on which so many people rely. Indeed, for some, it really is a lifeline.”