Former EastEnders star Martine McCutcheon has emotionally returned to social media following months of silence after her split from husband Jack McManus.
The Love Actually actress, 48, shared a candid video message with followers, breaking her silence for the first time since announcing the end of her 18-year marriage last August.
The return comes after McCutcheon revealed that Jack had made the decision to end their relationship, which she said she had accepted.
In her heartfelt video message, McCutcheon expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support she received from fans during her social media absence.
“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 told followers.
The actress explained she had been taking time away to focus on personal growth.
The star returned to social media after a few months away
“Basically I’ve just been finding my feet, healing, focusing on the next chapter which I’m very excited about,” she shared in the candid update.
McCutcheon emphasised her pride in how she and Jack have handled their separation, particularly regarding their son.
“I’m really proud of me and Jack because we have managed to put Rafferty first no matter what,” she said in the video.
The actress stressed their commitment to maintaining a friendship despite the split.
The star announced her split via her social media
“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,” she added.
The split was first revealed in August when McCutcheon shared a statement on social media about the end of their marriage
“After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided it’s best for us to separate after 18 years together and I accept his decision,” she wrote at the time.
The actress emphasised their shared focus on their son, stating: “We are both so very blessed and grateful for our beautiful, nine-year-old son Rafferty, whose happiness and welfare has always been, and will continue to be, our number one priority.”
Jack declined to comment further, telling Mail Online: “There is nothing more to add.”
In November, McCutcheon opened up about the personal toll of the separation, revealing she had experienced changes in her social circle.
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The Love Actually star has been focussing on her relationship with her son
The actress disclosed that some mutual friends had distanced themselves from the situation.
“Mutual ‘friends’ have gone silent, or have clearly picked a side, when they were never, even asked to!” she shared at the time.
Despite these challenges, she was encouraged by a close friend to socialise again, leading to an evening where they were the last to leave a local bar.