Christine McGuinness has toasted turning 34 with an inspiring message after a life-changing year.
The glamorous mother-of-three, who is married to Top Gear presenter Paddy McGuinness, was diagnosed with autism last summer.
While writing her autobiography A Beautiful Nightmare and filming a documentary for the BBC Our Family and Autism with her husband, about their lives as parents of three autistic children, she decided to get an official test.
READ MORE:
Christine was told that she had autism during the powerful documentary after explaining that she'd always felt different from everyone else but not understanding why.
The model and former star of The Real Housewives of Cheshire has now been applauded for a new message on her birthday, as she said she'd never felt so calm.
"34 - ask for more," she wrote on Instagram as she shared a snap of herself in a dazzling gold embellished feathery mini dress.
"I can honestly say my life really did change in my 30s and every year just gets better!
"This year I want to be the strongest, healthiest and happiest version of me.
"This is my busiest year ever but I’ve never felt so calm within myself.
"I think I finally ‘get me’ and it feels good.
"I’m becoming the woman I always needed in my life."
And Christine, who has twins Leo and Penelope, eight, and a younger daughter Felicity, five, with Paddy, teased that she has an exciting new project coming up.
"Tomorrow I’m about to start a whole new adventure and I can’t wait to tell you all about it, I’m so nervous but very excited," she said.
She signed off by declaring: ""Cheers to 34!"
Birthday wishes came flooding in for Christine, with her former Real Housewives co-star Tanya Bardsley saying with a stream of love hearts and a flame emoji: "Happy birthday beautiful girl."
Her co-star on The Real Full Monty Demi Jones exclaimed: "Happy birthday you angel!!"
lisa_mariewest1987 praised: "Beautiful. Loved the documentary it was very eye opening and to see the struggles that you all go through on a day to day basis."
sarahrees68 told her: "Happy birthday! It’s great that you’re feeling so comfortable in your own skin now and that’s why you’re blooming!"
smiler_martyn applauded: "Such an amazing mum, woman, inspirational big heart."
And paulreynolds20 said: "Happy Birthday Christine! You are both a role model and an inspiration! I hope you have a wonderful day! X"
As a mum of three autistic children, Christine had raised awareness of the developmental disorder for years, but felt relief that her tendencies could be explained with a diagnosis too.
"When I got the diagnosis, I can honestly say it was such a huge relief. Just to know there was a reason why I felt this way and why I struggled with certain things," she previously told the Manchester Evening News.
“It’s really helped me, my husband to understand autism a lot more, it’s helped me when it comes to work, and in everyday life.”
