Martine McCutheon isn’t ready for cosy seasons just yet. The former EastEnders actress has shared a chic topless snap with her fans as she dreams of another holiday after a tough year

View 3 Images

Martine McCutheon is missing summer already

Martine McCutheon isn’t too happy to see the back of summer. This morning, the former EastEnders actress shared an online plea for more sun.

The mum-of-one, 49, took to social media to share a topless snap as she mourned the sunny days coming to an end. Posing in black bikini bottoms and a phone cleverly concealing her bare chest, Martine told her Instagram followers: “Take me back to the sun and sea…”

“This lady needs her vitamin D.” The Love Actually actress added a string of summer-related emojis to her saucy Instagram Story.

Martine McCutheon is missing the sunny days already(Image: Instagram/martinemccutcheon)

The actress split from husband Jack McManus last year (Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Martine has had a rocky year. Not only is the former soap star in the process of divorcing husband Jack McManus after 18 years of marriage, Martine has also had to contend with being declared bankrupt for a second time and her estranged mother speaking out.

Jenny Tomlin was once inseparable from her famous daughter, but a sudden family bereavement caused a heartbreaking rift. In July, she disclosed how she’s longing for a reunion with Martine.

Their bond apparently began crumbling following the tragic passing of Martine’s brother Laurence John in 2022. In a heart-wrenching interview with OK! Magazine, Jenny confessed that she was the one to blame for the breakdown of her relationship with Martine.

She revealed that she had an emotional breakdown and ended up pushing Martine away. She reminisced: “We did all the wonderful stuff – the premiere of Love Actually, the restaurants – but the memories I cherish are of us just sitting on my bed, bringing up old memories and laughing. I miss that.”

Jenny further explained her state of mind during that difficult period: “When I lost LJ, I detached. I was so heartbroken I couldn’t talk to Martine. There was no big row – Martine tried to contact me for months, but I didn’t answer. Martine was grieving and needed me, too. I want the chance to say sorry. I miss her so much – it physically hurts.”

In a surprising turn of events last year, the pair reunited when Martine asked Jenny if her husband could do “some painting” in her new home.

Jenny seized this opportunity to visit her daughter in hopes of repairing their strained relationship. However, the reunion felt “awkward” and “the atmosphere felt heavy.”

Despite her efforts to reach out through calls, texts, and cards, Jenny said she has received no response from her daughter. She even drove to her house and shouted her name, only to be met with silence.

Earlier this year, Martine was declared bankrupt, as per court documents, following a petition for insolvency over a debt to a finance company. This comes on the heels of her having to reduce the asking price of her gorgeous Surrey mansion.

A court document reveals that the insolvency order was issued on 31 March this year, just a few months after she announced the end of her 18-year marriage to Jack. The couple share a 10-year-old son, Rafferty.

The bankruptcy ruling, which was issued under her married name of Martine McManus, was made in March at the County Court in Guildford following a petition filed by a company named LDF Finance.

This isn’t the first occasion Martine has faced bankruptcy. Despite previously boasting an estimated £2million fortune, she was made bankrupt in 2013 after accumulating debts of approximately £187,000, including a hefty HMRC bill worth roughly £150,000. Just 12 months later, she was released from bankruptcy and became financially stable.

Martine and her ex-husband spent a staggering £1.3million on their former matrimonial home, a detached house in Surrey, just three years ago.

Last year, the former pair revealed they had chosen to separate after 18 years together. Announcing their breakup on social media, she stated, “After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided it’s best for us to separate after 18 years together, and I accept his decision.

“I continue to send Jack all the love, luck and happiness for the next chapter of his life.” The split announcement came just weeks after they put their £1.5million home up for sale.