Martine McCutcheon’s husband Jack McManus suffered heartbreaking family tragedy before split with EastEnders star wife
MARTINE McCutcheon’s husband Jack McManus tragically lost his dad right before his 40th birthday.
The EastEnders actress shocked fans after revealing that she and Jack were splitting after 18 years together.
Martine, who also starred in Love Actually, wrote a statement on Instagram and said that she “accepted Jack’s decision”.
Their sudden split comes just weeks after she paid a heartfelt tribute to her husband for his birthday.
The actress spoke about how Jack’s celebrations would be “bittersweet” after the passing of his beloved dad Mick, and included a snap of him in the post.
She also shared a snap of Jack with their nine-year old son Rafferty in the garden.
Martine added a throwback photo of her in a wedding dress on the day she married Jack in 2012.
In the caption she wrote: “Darling Jack, Happy 40th Birthday Darling. I know it’s a weird one and bittersweet as you have lost your Darling Dad, Mick and he was your best friend…
“It’s so hard to see you miss someone so much, but you know when I lost my brother that I understand your grief and pain.
“And I also know that in time, you will value the gift of even having him be such a major role in your life and that he will be with you always.
“Nothing will ever take that away… You will appreciate the gift of life and those you love even more!”
Martine praised her late father-in-law for teaching her husband life skills and qualities that she continues to admire.
She went on: “I know Mick was and is SO proud of you! It’s been a tough time for a long time but Mick has passed on to you, the resilience, strength and grace that you will need to not just survive but thrive in your life.
“I have no doubt you will show him that you took it all on board.
“I think you show your children how to ‘Do life’ not so much by what you say but by what you actually do and act through the good, bad and all that’s in between and I know that Rafferty is source of strength and comfort to you and is so excited to have you be his guide and make magical memories together! You are so very loved Jack.
“And as your Dad would say, acknowledge and respect your feelings, let yourself truly feel and reflect on what you don’t have but don’t dwell on it for too long either, as it can swallow you whole when you are low.
“Look for the good in life and in people… Gratitude is the attitude. One step at a time darling.
Martine McCutcheon and Jack McManus - relationship timeline
MARTINE McCutcheon and husband Jack McManus have split following an 18-year relationship. Here are the details.
Martine McCutcheon revealed her split with husband Jack McManus in an emotional message posted to her Instagram Stories.
It came just weeks after the ex EastEnders actress, 48, told how her love for the singer, 40, was “unconditional” – and how she was looking forward to their “next chapter.”
Jack is a singer-songwriter who went to the famous BRIT School.
The pair met at a live music venue in Piccadilly in the early 2000s.
Speaking about when they first met, Martine previously confessed: “We laid eyes on each other and that was it.”
The former couple tied the knot in 2012 at Lake Como in Italy.
The pair welcomed their son Rafferty in 2015.
On August 22, 2024, Martine announced the break-up on social media.
“You know I love you unconditionally and I just wish I could make it all better!
“But you, like your dad, have touched so many hearts with your love and kindness. You make life better for so many.
“You have lived, laughed and loved, travelled the world writing songs and performing to tens of thousands & have had the gift of making a career out of what you love and what you are so talented at.”
She added: “You are only just 40 and have already achieved so many dreams! Most of all YOU now have the love to pass on to your greatest achievement and gift in life , our boy.
“I hope you feel the love around you today and know, that despite it all, you have the most amazing and rewarding next chapter coming your way! Now, deep breath, let’s have some fun with our boy!”
WHIRLWIND ROMANCE
Jack is a singer-songwriter who went to the famous BRIT School.
He met Martine at a gig in Piccadilly in the early 2000s and they tied the knot in 2012 at Lake Como in Italy.
Speaking about their first meeting, Martine previously gushed: “We laid eyes on each other and that was it.”
The former couple welcomed their son Rafferty in 2015.
Sharing the news of their break up, Martine wrote: “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, whose happiness and welfare, has always been, and will continue to be, our number one priority.
“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.”