Love Actually star Martine McCutcheon splits with husband after 18 years

Love Actually star Martine McCutcheon has split with her husband of 18 years amid her long-term health battle.

Martine McCutcheon has revealed she’s split with husband Jack McManus after 18 years together.

The actress, 48, best known for playing Natalie in Love Actually, took to Instagram to share the news with her 620k followers.

Martine and Jack, 40, got together in the early 2000s.

The pair welcomed their son Rafferty in 2015.

Martine McCutcheon has split from her husband Jack.

But now the couple are no longer together after Jack decided to call time on their relationship.

Martine wrote on her story: “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...

Martine and Jack tied the knot in 2012. Credit: Instagram/ @martinemccutheon

“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.”

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.”

Martine with Jack and their son Rafferty. Credit: Instagram

The former couple tied the knot in 2012 at Lake Como in Italy.

The news comes as a huge shock as just hours before Martine shared a stunning snap of her in a swimsuit as she sunbathed in the garden.

Martine has battled ME (chronic fatigue syndrome) for 13 years after being diagnosed in 2011.

She revealed that she was hospitalised for Jack’s birthday last year after she felt so dizzy she could barely stand.

ME is a long-term neurological disease that affects the nervous and immune systems.

Symptoms include problems sleeping and thinking, taking a long time to recover from physical activities, headaches, joint pains and flu-like symptoms.

Earlier this month Martine wished Jack a happy 40th birthday with a selection of snaps from over the years.

One picture included Jack and son Rafferty, followed by another of the pair looking glam while out for drinks.

“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…,” Martine said.

“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.”

He also appeared on her grid back in June when she paid tribute to him on Father’s Day.

She wrote: “Today is about remembering, honouring and showing our gratitude to you! @jackmcmanus1 you really are the best daddy and friend to Rafferty and I know that you couldn’t possibly love him more!

“Rafferty is so blessed to have you showing him the way in life… Thank you for all you do…

“Parenthood is not always easy - anyone can be a father but being a present and loving role model - consistently putting the work in day after day, is what makes a true difference.”

-With The Sun

Originally published as Love Actually star Martine McCutcheon splits with husband after 18 years