Christine McGuinness says Celebrity MasterChef ‘scarier than getting package off’

Christine McGuinness went through hell while filming Celebrity MasterChef.

The lingerie model, 36, was thrilled to get the chance to compete on the BBC series, but once she got into the kitchen, she was crippled by fear.

In fact, she is convinced it’s the toughest challenge she’s ever had.

READ MORE: Christine McGuinness parades bombshell body in nothing but a clinging white bodysuit

She told the Daily Star Sunday: “I’ve done The Real Full Monty where I had to take my clothes off on stage and I’ve done The Games where I had to do sport. But Celebrity MasterChef is definitely the scariest thing I’ve ever done.

“I was out of my comfort zone more than ever before. I know that might sound ridiculous because I’m a mum and I cook every day for my children.

“But even though I do that, I’m still not a confident cook. I’m not good in the kitchen.”

Cooking against the clock was terrifying for Christine. And getting feedback from judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace was tough, too.

She said: “Cooking on camera was scary. I had to do it in front of people who really know about food.

“I wasn’t prepared for how difficult it would be cooking under time pressure. It was terrifying when they shouted, ‘You’ve got five minutes left’.

“And when we were waiting to hear what the judges had to say, it felt like it went on forever!”

Christine has severe autism and that had a big effect on her ability to cope with the pressure.

The condition means her senses are heightened.

She said: “It was all very overwhelming because of my autism. Being in a kitchen is a difficult situation for me. I have issues around food when it comes to the smell, the taste and the texture.

And when I’m in a busy environment, all of my senses are heightened. That’s why I struggled.”

Despite finding it tough, Christine was determined to give it her best because she wants to inspire her children.

The star has twins Penelope and Leo as well as daughter Felicity with estranged husband Paddy.

She said: “I want to keep pushing myself and I want to keep doing things that are out of my comfort zone for my kids.

“They are autistic and I want them to see me do difficult things. I want them to think, ‘Mummy does all of these things and she’s fine.’

“With everything I do, they’re always in the back of my mind. They’re the reason I do things that terrify me. Even though the show was scary, I’m glad I did it.”

Christine is even inspiring complete strangers by things that scare her.

Last week she faced her fears by walking the red carpet at the TRIC Awards and presenting a gong at the British LGBT Awards. (Subs please keep)

She said: “When it was announced I’m on the new series, I had so many messages.

“People were saying, ‘I know doing this show will have been difficult for you and I’m really proud of you for doing it’. It’s nice to get that. I feel like I’m understood by people. I don’t feel like I get judged.”