Christine McGuinness' children, split with Paddy and major fear that was 'taking over' her mind

Christine McGuinness is embarking on a modern-day pilgrimage in North Wales as part of a returning BBC Two series. The 36-year-old, who says she has spiritual beliefs, will take on a personal journey while discussing faith and religion with six other stars.

Wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan, journalist Sonali Shah, comedian Eshaan Akbar, The Traitor's Amanda Lovett, actor Tom Rosenthal and TV personality Spencer Matthews are also taking part in Pilgrimage: The Road through North Wales. They will tread the path of the Celtic early Christian saints, with Bardsey Island, just off the western tip of the Llyn Peninsula, as her final destination.

Talking to The One Show about her experience, Christine, who shares three children with ex-husband Paddy McGuinness, said the expedition helped her overcome her fear of dying. Asked what she gained from the show, she told BBC hosts Alex Scott and Roman Kemp: "Oh wow, so much. Getting to know everyone else, understanding other people, other religions, one of the best things was making friends.

READ MORE: BBC2's Pilgrimage The Road Through North Wales: What time it's on, celebrity line-up, route and locations

"But for me personally, it was not being so scared of dying any more, that was something that was really keeping me awake at night, I've got three young children."

Asked if she suffered from health anxiety, Christine said: "Yeah, it was the worries and concerns as a parent. Of course, you worry about not being around to look after your children, but for me it was really taking over my mind." She added: "Whilst I was on Pilgrimage, I learned to live in the moment and enjoy the present, and just embrace the right now and that was the best thing that I took away from it."

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