The news of their breakup comes just weeks after the actress posted heartfelt messages to her partner following his bereavement
EASTENDERS star Martine McCutcheon has shocked fans after announcing that her husband Jack McManus has left her after 12 years of marriage.
The actress took to Instagram to share the news of their break-up just days after uploading a "bittersweet" tribute following the recent death of Jack's beloved dad. Here's everything you need to know about Jack McManus.
Who is Jack McManus and what is he famous for?
Jack McManus is a singer-songwriter who went to the famous BRIT School, which was also attended by Adele and Jessie J.
He has toured with huge acts like John Mayer, Scouting for Girls, Amy MacDonald, and Sam Sparro.
He also co-wrote a song on Boyzone's 2010 no.1 comeback album, Separate Cars.
Jack's first album Either Side of Midnight went to no. 22 on the UK albums chart while the lead single Bang on the Piano reached no. 45, just outside of the Top 40.
When did he meet Martine McCutcheon and how long were they married for?
Jack and Martine McCutcheon met in late December 2006, with Martine describing the early days of their romance as: "We laid eyes on each other and that was it."
They started dating since 2007 and married in September 2012 at Lake Como in Italy.
Their son Rafferty Jack McManus was born on February 4, 2015.
Though the couple shared 18 years together, their relationship hasn't been all smooth sailing - Martine has admitted that friends have helped "save" her marriage to Jack.
Martine who previously played Tiffany Mitchell in Eastender's told the Loose Women panel that friends had previously talked her off the ledge during huge arguments with Jack, reminding her that it was worth making the relationship work.
Martine McCutcheon's Emotional Tribute Amid Family Loss
What has Jack McManus' wife Martine McCutcheon said about their split?
The mum-of-one shared a heart wrenching post on her Instagram story on Thursday 22 August 2024, announcing the split.
The much loved actress who starred in Love Actually penned: “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, who's happiness and welfare, has always been, and will continue to be, our number 1 priority.
She continued: “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.”
Fans were stunned by the announcement since it came just three weeks after Martine posted a heartwarming birthday message to Jack on August 4, where she acknowledged that he was grieving the loss of his father, Mick.
Posting photos of him with their son, the British actress shared her love and condolence for her other half saying:
"Happy 40th Birthday, Darling Jack," she wrote. "I know it's a bittersweet one, having lost your dear dad, Mick, who was also your best friend. It's been hard seeing you miss him so much."
Martine McCutcheon goes make-up free as she teases her comeback single from the set of her music video
