‘Love Actually’ Star Martine McCutcheon Separating from Husband After 18 Years Together: ‘I Accept His Decision’

Martine McCutcheon and husband Jack McManus are separating.

The Love Actually actress, 48, revealed the news on her Instagram Stories Thursday, Aug. 22, writing, “After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided it’s best for us to separate after 18 years together and I accept his decision.”

McCutcheon, who married McManus in September 2012, went on to write that the former couple are “so very blessed and grateful for our beautiful, 9-year-old son Rafferty, who’s [sic] happiness and welfare has always been, and will continue to be, our number 1 priority.”

“We both, of course, still cherish and look forward to being parents together to our wonderful boy for the rest of our lives … ” she continued.

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The English actress and singer shared that the “decision” for her and McManus, 40, to end their marriage “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,” she explained. “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.”

McCutcheon concluded her note by sharing “many thanks in advance” to her fans and Instagram followers for their “respect and support at this difficult time.”

“I continue to send Jack all the love, luck and happiness for the next chapter of his life. Rafferty and I (as always) are rooting for you!” she added. “Thank you all for the love and support, now and always … Martine.xx.”

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McCutcheon — who played Natalie, the love interest of Hugh Grant‘s prime-minister character David, in the 2003 holiday rom-com Love Actually — previously celebrated her 11th wedding anniversary with McManus, a musician, in September 2023.

“Happy 11th Wedding Anniversary Baby! A tiny little snippet of our day today,” she wrote on Instagram, posting footage of the couple enjoying some serene time outdoors and sharing a kiss.

“I can’t believe we said ‘I do’ in Lake Como all that time ago, but what a magical, mesmerizing day it was!” the actress continued. “Meanwhile, today we’ve kept it mega chilled. We are both knackered after a full on couple of weeks, so a little stroll in the forest and rain, talking about our journey so far was perfect. So many memories and so many more to make my darling!”

“So excited for your dream to come true next week with @cakemusical opening for a week at the Lyric theatre! Whoop!” she continued. “But for now, it’s time to snuggle at home, eating yummy food and watching funny TV! I love you more than you will EVER know @jackmcmanus1.”