Martine McCutcheon shares a health update alongside a rare pic with husband Jack – as actress takes ‘time out’ amid struggles with chronic fatigue

Martine McCutcheon shared a health update with fans on Saturday, alongside a rare photo with husband Jack McManus.

The Love Actually actress, 47, spoke candidly about her struggles with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia – a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body.

Her symptoms led to the decision to take some ‘time out’ from work and social media, while she said she was recovering through walks with Jack and evenings in front of the TV.

Martine shared a sweet photo with her rarely seen husband as he kissed her on the cheek as they enjoyed an autumn walk – with Martine dressed in a cozy hat.

The former EastEnders actress shared an update on Instagram, writing: ‘Hello! I haven’t been here much (see my stories). But taking some time off from work and social media was much needed.

Update: The Love Actually actress revealed she has taken a ‘time out’ from work and social media

‘It was actually life-changing. I’ve had appointments in my calendar for work (and the pressure that comes with it) since I was a kid… I’ve never taken proper time off from work before…

“I’ve been in this industry since I was a toddler and to just get away from it all for that time – just for me and my health was like a deep breath!”

Martine went on to talk about balancing motherhood and son Rafferty, eight, with her chronic fatigue diagnosis.

She continued: ‘Of course I still have the balancing act of managing my CFS and fibro with motherhood and work and all that stuff, but I’m going at my own pace, running my own race and I’ve realized that the world still always turns when you stop and put yourself first…

“I wanted to share this with you in case any of you feel like you need to take a break.”

She added that she is “building momentum and preparing for it!”

‘I just took a leisurely walk with Jack today and now I’m sitting happily watching TV with the candles lit.’

Martine discussed it earlier living with chronic fatigue syndrome ME and Lyme disease amid the coronavirus pandemic in an interview with Hello! Magazine.

The star said: ‘If you have an underlying illness you can’t take risks. As with any chronic condition, you can experience flare-ups. When I go out, I always have my mask and my gloves with me and I take it very seriously.

‘I have been very good emotionally for a long time and I feel a lot calmer. It was good to realize that it’s okay to do things at your own pace.”

Speaking: The Love Actually actress, 47, spoke candidly about her struggles with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia

Martine was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in 2011 and struggled with severe depression.

She previously blamed her hectic work schedule for the onset of her health problems.

In April 2017, the actress revealed that she had been diagnosed with Lyme disease, which causes her to lose weight more slowly than the average person.

ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis) is a long-term, fluctuating, neurological disorder that affects the nervous system and immune system.

Martine and Jack married in 2012 and share a son, Rafferty.

The couple married in September 2012 in Italy’s picturesque Lake Como, five years after they started dating and six years after they first met in December 2006.

Rafferty, the couple’s only child, was born in February 2012.

In December 2016, Martine admitted during an appearance on Loose Women that her friends had helped ‘save’ her marriage to Jack.

She said: ‘I think my friends have saved my relationship a few times already! There have been times without a doubt – I’ve been with Jack for 10 years now and of course we’ve had ups and downs – a tough eight out of 10 years is a blessing for him.

“But through the trials and tribulations, I think my friends – when I feel like I can’t get through to him – have given me the insight.

‘They said to each other: ‘Calm down, you really love him, you are meant to be together, stick with it.’ Nowadays, more than ever, people are throwing in the towel; everything is so disposable now.”

Talented: Martine and Jack have been married since 2012 and share a son, Rafferty