Martine McCutcheon has confirmed she has split with husband Jack McManus after 18 years together.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the only heartache the star has suffered in recent years.
Sadly, Martine has faced a string of heartbreaking moments in the past few years, from battling ill health to the tragic death of her brother – but she keeps trucking on.
Here is a rundown of everything the star had endured recently.
Martine McCutcheon and husband Jack McManus split
Today, August 22, it was announced that Martine and hubby Jack had gone their separate ways.
The EastEnders star and Jack first got together back in the early 2000s and tied the knot in 2012. They later welcomed son Rafferty in 2015.
However, it seems things have hit the rocks as Martine has now announced their break-up.
Taking to her Instagram story Martine explained their separation to her followers.
She stated: “After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided it’s best for us to separate after 18 years together and I accept his decision.
“We are both so very blessed and grateful for our beautiful, 9-year-old son Rafferty, who’s happiness and welfare, has always been, and will continue to be, our number I priority.”
Martine continued to describe her split with her husband, stating: “We both of course, still cherish and look forward to being parents together to our wonderful boy for the rest of our lives…
“Whilst this decision has evolved over a period of time, we are still finding our new way forward as a family and kindly ask for some privacy at this time… Especially for our little boy.
“Our love for Rafferty, is something that will never, waver, or change and we obviously want to protect him and help him feel as safe and secure as possible.
“Many thanks in advance for your respect and support, at this difficult time… And I continue to send Jack, all the love, luck and happiness for the next chapter of his. Rafferty and I (as always,) are rooting for you! Thank you all, for the love and support, now and always… Martine.xx.” [sic]
Martine McCutcheon brother
At the end of 2022, Martine tragically lost her younger brother. His death was sudden, according to reports, with Martine admitting there was “no medical explanation” behind it.
LJ died in October 2022 at the age of 31. Tragically, he had been due to get married the following month. At the time, Martine described her brother’s death as “sudden” and said “there is no medical explanation as to why we lost him so soon”.
On what would have been his 32nd birthday last year, Martine penned on Instagram: “Today, we raise a glass to a true one off, a go getter, a gentle giant, an adventurer, a lover of life and someone who showed us all how to truly live.”
She concluded with a sweet mention of his pet name, stating: “I know you are with me everyday and I continue to try and do you proud. We all love you and will forever. Till we meet again Dimples.”
Double diagnosis health battle
Back in February, Martine lifted the lid on the “physical and emotional trauma” of having fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Martine has suffered from CFS for the past decade. The condition leaves the sufferer feeling extremely tired with symptoms including trouble sleeping, headaches, and joint pains.
Earlier this year she reposted a video of Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey discussing the condition and stated: “Whilst I’m so sad anyone goes through this, I’m also so relieved that people with such a huge platform are talking about fibro and CFS.
“It can happen to anyone with any kind of physical or emotional trauma of some kind.
“Millions and millions are suffering with this and ME and are being left to live a life that is so disabling yet invisible and it can slowly destroy it.
“So many sacrifices and compromises have to be made and eventually it will of course affect your work, relationships and mental health. Keep on taking!!!!! Thank you @ladygaga @oprah.”
Martine’s perimenopause struggle
Not only has Martine’s suffered with her health, she has even struggled with a menopause battle.
In an open and honest admission, Martine previously revealed how her hormones impact her. She told her followers: “Not going to lie, I’m still trying to sort out my perimenopause issues.
“My emotions/anxiety have been so unpredictable. It feels like someone else has hijacked your mind!”
Trolling of her appearance
The actress often keeps her fans up to date on her life via social media. This means the former Tiffany Mitchell star is no stranger to criticism.
Although she has a legion of loyal fans, she has also faced trolls.
Earlier this year Martine rocked a strapless top in a clip shared to Instagram. She also sported a full face of makeup and her signature dark locks in an up-do style.
She told fans at the time: “Hello everybody. Happy Monday. I’ve hope you’ve had a good start to your week! As you guys know, myself and Jack have been renovating our home. And loads of you have been asking how I’ve been getting on so I am going to put together a reel to show you what we’ve done.”
Although plenty of fans shared their compliments with the star, one stroll made a negative comment about her appearance.
They wrote: “All I can see is teeth …”
Despite the rude remark, Martine wasn’t afraid to clap back. She stated: “Is that it? Really?! Thank you for your really important and intelligent observation…
“That’s a game changer for the world that one. Why don’t you unfollow and save your unkind and personal comments about someone’s appearance for someone else who doesn’t mind reading them on their OWN account… The cheek of it! Many thanks and keep making the world a better, less judgmental place.”
