Martine McCutcheon returns to social media after husband ended 18-year relationship

To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. Martine McCutcheon has returned to social media with a candid message following her shock split from husband Jack McManus. The former EastEnders icon, 48, rattled fans in August last year when she announced Jack’s decision to end their marriage after 18 years together.

In the statement, the Love, Actually actress said their 10-year-old son Rafferty was their ‘number one priority’ and that she accepts her husband’s decision. In recent months she’s been absent from social media, but has now returned with some candid words for her followers. ‘Hello everybody. It has been a long time since I’ve been on here but I wanted to say that your messages of love and support last year were just so amazing for me I can’t tell you. So thank you so much,’ she began, talking to the camera.

‘Basically, I’ve just been finding my feet, healing, focusing on the next chapter, which I’m very excited about. ‘Also, I took a break from here as well, because you know what it’s like. I’m really proud of me and Jack because we have managed to put Rafferty first no matter what.’. She continued: ‘Also, we want to live our lives being friends after being together for 18 years. ‘So any posts I put up or anything I share, it’s not a slight on him. I wouldn’t do that. It’s not my style. If I want to say something, I’ll say it. I was wary of that as well. But I’m all good, and I’m back.’.

Singer Jack married Martine in 2012 in a low-key ceremony at Lake Como, four years after they began dating. The news of the split came just days after Martine shared a loving birthday tribute to Jack on social media in the aftermath of his father’s death, calling him ‘Darling Jack’. Martine’s statement confirming her split from Jack read: ‘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 years old son Rafferty, who’s happiness and welfare has always been, and will continue to be, our number 1 priority.’. She continued: ‘While 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 new chapter of his life. ‘Rafferty and I (as always) are rooting for you!. ‘Thank you all, for the love and support, now and always,’ she wrote. After Martine’s announcement, Jack told the MailOnline: ‘There is nothing more to add. I will not be saying anything more about this.’.

Martine played the loveable Tiffany Mitchell in BBC soap EastEnders from 1995 until her character was tragically killed off in 1998 after being run over by Frank Butcher. Got a story?. If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.