EastEnders star Martine McCutcheon 'declared bankrupt' following divorce from husband

EastEnders actress Martine McCutcheon has faced additional turmoil a year after her split from husband Jack McManus. According to official public records, the 49-year-old star has been declared bankrupt following a petition for insolvency due to a debt owed to a finance company. This development comes on the heels of her being forced to slash the asking price of her stunning Surrey residence.

Court documents reveal that the insolvency order was issued on 31 March this year, just months after she announced her separation from Jack, her partner of 18 years. The couple share a 10-year-old son, Rafferty. The bankruptcy ruling, registered under her married name Martine McManus, was granted in March at the County Court in Guildford, following a petition filed by a firm named LDF Finance. In addition, Martine's company, Raven Music Ltd, was liquidated last month, an action initiated by HMRC due to unpaid tax bills.

The most recent accounts show that the business had an outstanding tax bill of over £175,000, due within the 12-month period post-February 2022. However, the total sum of Martine's personal tax bill remains undisclosed, and it is yet to be determined whether the Official Receiver will call for a public examination of her bankruptcy, which would reveal her financial circumstances.

Despite confronting bankruptcy, Martine has maintained her positive outlook and avoided displaying the pressure in public. She recently posted on social media about a delightful outing with her son, Rafferty, and their beloved dog.

Speaking to her 635,000 Instagram followers, the former EastEnders star revealed:"Wow... I needed this more than I thought! I love being by the water."

She went on to celebrate the nation's scenic locations, particularly during fine weather: "The UK has SO many beautiful places, and in the sunshine, it really does take some beating, doesn't it? This is us on Hampton Court River. We booked a boat and took a little picnic, and it was gorgeous!! Where do you love to go in the sunshine months? I would love to hear your thoughts for our next little excursions in the summer!"

Nevertheless, this is not Martine's first brush with monetary difficulties. Although she previously possessed wealth valued at £2 million, she encountered bankruptcy in 2013 owing to debts amounting to approximately £187,000, including a substantial £150,000 owed to HMRC.

Extraordinarily, merely twelve months following her bankruptcy, Martine was discharged and regained fiscal security. She and her former spouse had invested a staggering £1.3million in their previous family residence in Surrey just three years earlier.

The couple revealed their split last year after an 18-year marriage. Announcing their split on social media, she declared: "After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided it's best for us to separate after 18 years together, and I accept his decision."

She continued to convey her good wishes: "I continue to send Jack, all the love, luck and happiness for the next chapter of his life."

This revelation emerged mere weeks after the couple listed their £1.5million property on the market.