Seven familiar faces embark on a two week trek in north Wales to confront their fears and find forgiveness
Pilgrimage: the Road through North Wales
Good Friday 9.00pm BBC2 (9.30pm in Wales)
CHRISTINE McGUINNESS
For many people, the prospect of walking up Yr Wyddfa (Mount Snowdon) without any sort of training would feel daunting.
However, for Christine McGuinness, one of the celebrities embarking on a spiritual quest in this year’s Pilgrimage, taking part in the series involved another huge obstacle: the prospect of eating food that wasn’t beige, and in front of a group of strangers.
McGuinness was diagnosed with autism three years ago, while making a documentary with her husband — comedian and former Top Gear presenter Paddy — about caring for their three young children, who share the condition (the couple are now in the process of divorcing). McGuinness is used to making life as simple as possible for herself and her neurodiverse family, including at mealtimes.
“We all like to eat beige food, like toast, chips, bagels — it’s not too over-sensory for us with the smell, the taste, the texture,” she says. “In the past, this was one of the reasons I would never eat with other people. I was almost ashamed and felt odd, so I’d make excuses not to go to weddings or parties. I’m comfortable eating at home with my children, but eating with other people was something new for me.”
Fourtunately, among the group who last September made their way along the north Wales Pilgrim’s Way, McGuinness found understanding. “The company I was with helped massively [former reality star Spencer Matthews, ex-Traitor Amanda Lovett, wildlife presenter Michaela Strachan, journalist Sonali Shah, comedian Eshaan Akbar and actor Tom Rosenthal]. They were curious about me, but not in a judgemental way. In the past I wouldn’t have explained myself properly. But they listened and they got it.”
Being diagnosed after a lifetime of “confusion, just feeling odd” has meant that, aged 35, McGuinness can also communicate her own needs more effectively. She reflects, “I’ve learnt how to manage those feelings. I’ll ask for time out, and don’t feel I need to over-explain the reasons any more. I can leave the room and give myself a breathing space.”
Prior to diagnosis, the former model remembers she made a habit of turning down opportunities — both professional and social — through a combination, she says, of personal fear and anxiety about her children. And she nearly said no to Pilgrimage.
“There was a time I wouldn’t leave my children for an hour, but now I’m able to do that, and that comes from their growth and mine. My childr
