Viewers were left in tears last night following Paddy and Christine McGuinness’ debut BBC One documentary, Our Family and Autism.

Airing on Wednesday night at 9pm, the emotional documentary gave a rare insight into the home life of the McGuinness’, who are parents of three autistic children – twins Leo and Penelope, eight, and five-year-old Felicity.

For the first time, the Bolton-bornTop Gear host opened up about spiralling into depression following his children’s autism diagnosis, wherein he admitted ‘throwing myself into my work’ as he struggled to cope and come to terms with the news.   

He said: “I got that down that I had to see a therapist and he diagnosed me with clinical depression. I used to think I was the last person in the world who would have depression because I earn a few quid.

“I didn’t instantly go, ‘oh I’m depressed’ because it was a very slow process. It chipped away at me, with all of the things you have to do, things you have to deal with as a parent of children with autism.

“But it dawned on me that, that’s it, that’s it forever. There’s no ‘they’ll get better as the years go on.'”

The couple also used the documentary to visit school children and young adults with autism to find out what the future may hold for their own children, dispel dangerous myths surrounding links with autism and vaccines, and even detail Christine’s own journey after recently being diagnosed with autism herself.

Former Manchester United footballer Paul Scholes also appeared in the documentary, where he sat down with the Top Gear host to discuss his own experiences as a father of a sixteen-year-old son who is both autistic and non-verbal.

Following the release of the documentary, viewers have been taking to social media to praise both Paddy and Christine for tackling such an important topic, with many admitting the documentary ‘changing their perspective on autism’ altogether.

One person wrote: “What a beautiful, open, informative and emotive documentary currently showing on BBC discussing #autism in our children. Thank you to Paddy, family and other contributors for sharing and opening up such an important topic for conversation.”

Another commented: “Paddy thank you for sharing your family and autism. We are beginning this journey with our grandson and the program helped so much.”

Paddy and Christine McGuinness: Our Family and Autism is now available to stream on BBC iPlayer. 

Coronation Street is gaining a new cast member next week in the form of Shameless star Rebecca Ryan.

Rebecca, who played the role of Debbie Gallagher in the Channel 4 series, will be joining Corrie as Lydia, a character involved in a storyline with Sarah and her husband Adam Barlow – and it turns out she has connections with Adam’s past.

And the actress won’t struggle with making friends on the set as her younger brother Jack James Ryan returned to the cobbles just last week as bad boy Jacob Hay, who was last seen on the soap in March.

@rebeccaryan___ / Instagram

Her proud brother wrote on Instagram: “Still can’t believe this is happening but I’m beyond proud to finally announce my ridiculously talented sister @rebeccaryan___ is joining the cast of @coronationstreet.

“When people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up I’d say ‘an actor on TV like my big sister’. You’ve been my biggest inspiration and I’ll never be able to articulate just how proud I am to be your little bro.

“They say never work with family but on this occasion I’d like to strongly disagree. Can’t wait for Lydia to hit our screens in December so make sure to keep an eye out to see what she gets up to! 

“Love you Bex.”

@rebeccaryan___ / Instagram

Rebecca added that being part of the Coronation Street family is a ‘dream come true’, writing on social media: “THE NEWS IS OUT!! So excited to be joining the cast of Corrie.

“What a dream come true. Not only do I get to be a part of this amazing programme but I get to do it all with my best mate and little bro!! @jackjamesryan . Xx”

Rebecca’s acting credits also include Waterloo Road, where she played the role of Vicki MacDonald from 2009 – 2011. She then went on to portray hospital porter Gemma Dean in the medical drama Casualty from 2017 to 2019.

Opinions were divided among Coronation Street fans last night when the soap’s veteran Roy Cropper announced his sudden departure.

Roy, played by David Neilson, has been a staple part of the ITV soap since 1995 and has gained a loyal fanbase for his soft and gentle demeanour over the years.

However, fans were less than impressed by Roy’s sudden departure last night, where he abandoned his niece Nina Lucas, played by Mollie Gallagher. 

ITV

In last night’s episode, Nina was shocked to discover from Adam Barlow that Roy had signed over his entire estate to her with immediate effect, which led her to worry that he was planning on taking his own life. 

In a shock twist, Roy then revealed that he was leaving the cobbles for a new job opportunity in South America, where he will be working as a chef (probably not rustling up bacon butties, I can imagine). 

This storyline twist left viewers scratching their heads, however, with many slamming the whole idea of Weatherfield’s finest chef sharing his expertise in an exotic foreign country. 

One puzzled Twitter user wrote: “I’m struggling to picture Roy Cropper in South America. Southport maybe.”

Another commented: “Just read that #Corrie‘s Roy Cropper might leave the street as he’s been offered a job as a chef in South America. He literally fries eggs and butters toast WHERE do they come up with these stories hahaha.”

A very good point indeed. 

Roy is starting a new life after the pressure mounted as police traced the gun used to kill Natasha Blakeman. Roy stopped Abi from shooting the teenage thug after the pair were washed away together in a Victorian sewer – as you do.