BBC Cancels Paddy McGuinness Sitcom Amid Concerns for Ex-Wife Christine’s Feelings
Paddy McGuinness’s planned sitcom, a humorous take on his life and divorce, has been scrapped by the BBC amid concerns it could be “distasteful and insensitive” to his ex-wife, Christine McGuinness, reported by the Manchester Evening News. The show, titled Paddy, was in development after a pilot episode where McGuinness, 51, played a fictionalized version of himself navigating a breakup. The mockumentary-style sitcom featured comedian Josh Pugh, 35, and was filmed in an Airbnb that served as a stand-in for McGuinness’s home. Despite initial interest, the BBC ultimately decided not to proceed, citing sensitivity around the couple’s public separation.
An insider revealed the network’s hesitation, stating that the BBC felt “reluctant” to be associated with a project focused on the comedian’s recent split. Paddy and Christine, who announced their separation in July 2022 after 11 years of marriage, share three children together—10-year-old twins, Penelope and Leo, and a seven-year-old daughter, Felicity. Although the divorce was finalized this summer, they continue to live together at their £2.5 million family home in Cheshire to maintain stability for their children.
Christine reportedly learned about the sitcom plans earlier in the year and was unsettled by the premise. Friends close to her shared that she felt “distraught” at the thought of their divorce becoming comedic fodder, as the split had been deeply painful for her. A friend explained, “Christine is distraught that their divorce is going to be the butt of the jokes. She’s completely broken over the divorce, and we are genuinely worried about her.”
Ultimately, the BBC chose not to move forward with the show, with a source telling Mail Online, “The BBC has decided not to go ahead with Paddy’s mockumentary. Some thought it would be distasteful and insensitive to Christine and were reluctant to be seen like they were taking sides in the messy break-up.”
Paddy has also reportedly removed jokes about his divorce from his stand-up routine after learning that Christine was upset by some of his recent on-stage remarks. He is currently touring with his Nearly There show but has made adjustments to avoid mentioning his split during performances. Sources close to Christine indicated she was “horrified” by some of Paddy’s jokes, leading him to cut those segments from his act.
When asked for comments, a BBC spokesperson told Mail Online, “We do not comment on pilots.” Paddy McGuinness’s representatives and Christine’s team have not publicly responded to the decision.