THE wife of Bolton television star Paddy McGuinness has told their fans their four-year-old twins have autism.

Model Christine McGuinness, aged 29, revealed both son Leo and daughter Penelope have the condition in a touching Instagram post to mark their fourth birthday.

She wrote on the photo sharing social media site: "Today you both turn four, and I celebrate so much more.

"In the last 12 months you have learnt to talk, and you are using flat feet to walk.

"You are conquering your daily challenges, and I'm here to hold your hand, when your dealing with sensory overload, the quietest room sounds like a big brass band.

"You excel in mathematics and amateur dramatics and you amaze me every day, because you are beautiful inside and out in an extra special way.

"The meltdowns, the routines and all the planning ahead.

"The groundhog days, the beige food and the temperamental 'time for bed'.

"I love you unconditionally and will encourage you both to embrace your autism. Because you are totally unique and fantastically awesome.

"All my love always, mummy."

The post was captioned "My babies, My world". Christine added the hashtags "#Autism #AutismAwareness".

Paddy,aged 43, and Christine are also parents to daughter Felicity, who was born in September.

In another post on the site accompanying a photography of a cupcake with number 4 candle, she added: "Happy birthday to my gorgeous twins Leo and Penelope #4today.

"How fabulous you have have gown then, Leo — 6lbs 7oz and Penelope — 6lb 10 oz.

"You changed by life forever, swapping stilettos for slippers and discovering a patience I didn't know I had. I love you both more than you will ever know #HappyBirthday".

The couple married in 2011.

Paddy has previously admitted it is "hard to leave" his children while he's working.