MARTINE McCutcheon is grabbing life – and lucrative opportunities – with both hands after splitting from husband Jack McManus.
She and Jack, 41, stunned fans when they announced their separation in August 2024 after 18 years together.
And we’re told that, after taking some time out to lick her wounds, 49-year-old Martine has decided it’s time for a reset – and to remind everyone of the star she is.
In 1994 the actress and singer joined the cast of EastEnders as Tiffany Raymond in what was supposed to be a minor role.
Instead Tiffany went on to become one of the soap’s most iconic characters and 22 million people tuned in to watch her final scenes, when she was killed off in 1998.
What followed was a whirlwind pop career and her biggest gig to date – starring alongside Hugh Grant in the Christmas classic Love Actually.
But after she and Jack welcomed son Rafferty, now nine, in 2015, Martine decided to put family first.
PERSONAL STRUGGLES
Martine, who has been living with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome since 2011, was then diagnosed with Lyme disease and fibromyalgia in 2017.
And in 2022 she was left heartbroken by the sudden death of her brother in 2022.
But now Martine is finally ready to re-introduce herself to the world.
A well-placed source told The Sun: “Martine hasn’t had it easy – the divorce is in some ways trivial compared to the things she’s been through.
“She needed to put her health first for a while and isn’t in any way resentful for prioritising family over her career, but the simple truth is she’s a natural born entertainer and wasn’t made to be a stay-at-home mum.
“Martine’s marriage ending made her realise you need to live in the moment – and that’s exactly what she’s doing. Friends are even quoting her own hit song to her, saying ‘this is your moment’.”
She’s starring in five big-money Christmas adverts this festive season, working with huge brands including Costa and Google.
And Martine is only just getting started.
COMING BACK WITH A BANG
Our insider continued: “Martine isn’t silly enough to say no to the money she was offered for some of these collaborations but adverts aren’t enough for her.
“This is a woman who was a household name in the 90s, has had number one singles and won awards for West End roles – she finally feels confident enough to start acting like it.
“She’s a national treasure so booking meetings with directors hasn’t been a problem, it’s choosing the right role she’s finding difficult.
“If she gets this right, it’s going to be the comeback of all comebacks.
“Unlike many people who got their big break in a soap, Martine is genuinely talented and one of the gigs she’s considering will show her in a whole new light.”
Martine’s confidence resurgence was highlighted when she posted a very clear message on social media – insisting she’s not going to apologise for prioritising herself.
She said: “I feel excited about this next chapter because I know myself so much more.
“I’m so not sorry for my own opinions, my own voice, my own limitations and being able to say, always with the most respect, ‘No, no, no’.
“I just want to have fun. I want to find out, away from career and family, what just brings me fun.”
And as she approaches her 50th birthday, we’re told that, not only does Martine look better than ever, she finally feels like she’s taken back control of her life.
