Martine McCutcheon reveals she’s been DUMPED by husband of 18 years but insists that she and son Jack, 9, will ‘always be rooting for him’

Martine McCutcheon has announced through her husband Jack McManus that she has left her after 18 years together.

The couple married in 2012 on Italy’s picturesque Lake Como, five years after they started dating and welcomed their nine-year-old son Rafferty.

She made the shock announcement during a ‘much-needed’ holiday in Marbella with their son and stressed that she and Rafferty will always ‘cheer on’ Jack in the future.

Fans couldn’t believe the news, as it came just three weeks after she sent Jack an enthusiastic birthday post on August 4, revealing how he was doing following the tragic death of his father.

The EastEnders icon wrote: ‘After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided that it is best for us to part ways after 18 years together and I accept his decision.’

She shared the news in an Instagram post on Thursday, while on a “much-needed” vacation in Marbella with her son

She continued: ‘We are both incredibly grateful for our beautiful 9-year-old son Rafferty, whose happiness and well-being has always been and always will be our highest priority.

‘We both still look forward to being parents together to our wonderful boy for the rest of our lives…

‘While this decision has evolved over time, we are still working to find our way forward as a family and kindly ask for some privacy at this time… Especially for our little boy.

‘Our love for Rafferty will never waver or change and we obviously want to protect him and make sure he feels as safe and secure as possible.

‘Thank you in advance for your respect and support during this difficult time…

‘And I continue to send Jack all the love, happiness and joy for his next chapter. Rafferty and I (as always) are keeping our fingers crossed for you!

‘Thank you all for the love and support, now and always…Martine.xx.’

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

Martine and Jack’s shock split comes just weeks after Martine paid tribute to Jack’s birthday on August 4, revealing he was grieving the death of his father.

Martine shared photos of Jack with their son and said enthusiastically that she hoped her husband would see in time how much he is loved and what a role model he is to his own son.

‘Darling Jack, happy 40th birthday sweetheart. I know it’s strange and ambiguous as you lost your dear father Mick and he was your best friend… It’s so hard to see you miss someone so much,’ Martine wrote.

The couple have a son, Rafferty, nine, and Martine revealed that his happiness and wellbeing will remain their priority going forward

Martine acknowledged the loss of her brother LJ at the age of 31 in 2022, continuing: ‘YYou know I understand your sorrow and pain at losing my brother – And I also know that in time you will appreciate the gift of having him play such an important part in your life and that he will always be with you. Nothing will ever take that away from you…’

“It’s been a tough time for a long time, but Mick has given you the resilience, strength and grace you need to not only survive, but thrive in your life. I have no doubt that you will show him that you brought it all with you.”

“I believe that you show your children how to live their lives not so much by what you say, but by what you actually do and act upon, both the good and the bad and everything in between. I know Rafferty is a source of strength and comfort to you and I am so glad that you are his guide and that we can make magical memories together!”

She told her husband that it’s ‘one step at a time honey. You know I love you unconditionally and I wish I could make it all better!’

Reflecting on Jack’s career as a singer/songwriter, she ended her message with an enthusiastic note: ‘You are only 40 and have already achieved so many dreams! Most importantly, 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 everything, you have the most amazing and rewarding next chapter ahead of you! Now, deep breaths, let’s have some fun with our boy!”

‘Darling Jack, Happy 40th Birthday my dear. I know it is a strange and bittersweet day as you have lost your dear father, Mick, who was your best friend,’ Martine wrote

Sharing photos of Jack with their son Rafferty, eight, Martine excitedly said she hoped her husband would eventually see how much he is loved.

The star told her husband: ‘I know Rafferty is a source of strength and comfort to you and I’m so glad you’re his guide and that we can create magical memories together!’

Martine acknowledged the loss of her brother LJ at the age of 31 in 2022, continuing: ‘You know, when I lost my brother, I understand your grief and pain’

Martine and Jack married in 2012 at the picturesque Lake Como in Italy, five years after they started dating and six years after they first met in December 2006.

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

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

‘But despite all the trials and tribulations, when I felt I couldn’t get through to Him, my friends brought me to repentance.

‘They were like, “Take it easy, you really love him, you two are meant for each other, keep at it.” Nowadays, more than ever, people are throwing in the towel – everything is so disposable now.’