Martine McCutcheon addresses 'brutal' breakup and hints at betrayal from 'mutual friends'

Martine McCutcheon has spoken out on her split from her husband Jack McManus, three months after he made the decision to end their relationship after 18 years together. The Love Actually actress, 48, who shares son Rafferty, 9, with Jack, was cheered up by her pals as she headed on a night out this weekend, admitting the outing was exactly what she needed following the turmoil.

Sharing a number of snaps from her night on the town, Martine detailed to her 634K followers that her recent break-up had been 'brutal' in some aspects, and detailed how mutual friends she shares with Jack have 'chosen sides'.

In a lengthy caption, Martine penned: "About Last night… My darling friend @‌samanthajm managed to get me “Out Out” for first time in months!!!!! Whoop whoop! If I’m honest, I was feeling all “blah” and not into it at all! But she wasn’t giving up on me and she was right not to! We had SO much fun! Whoop! Whoop! We were the last ones there (Oh yes! Turns out Martine’s still got it! ) A couple we met, were so lovely too and apparently, have followed my career and my insta for years (Great taste obvs!) So a massive shout out to them - Thank you for the lovely compliments, care and for making my head swell to the size of Brazil!

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"And Samantha, you know that any break up after 18 years isn’t easy, in fact there are some facets that can feel brutal… Mutual “friends” have gone silent, or have clearly picked a side, when they were never, even asked to! But I’m so lucky to have you! You are a gracious, fair, loving, thoughtful, friend and you show them all how it’s done darling!"

The mother-of-one concluded: "Thank you for being so wonderful to me and Rafferty and Jack and for taking the time to make me feel seen and heard. It means so much! I love you “Mate!” #watchout #shesoutout #greatnight #neededitmorethanithought #greatfriends"

Martine announced in August that she had parted ways from Jack after almost two decades together, and just two years after the couple renewed their vows. She explained that it was his decision to call time on their relationship but said she wanted to send him luck with the next chapter of his life.

In a statement on Instagram, she wrote: "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."

Following the surprising news, a source told OK! that Martine was feeling blindsided by the break-up but is focusing on her son. “Martine was totally stunned by the split and although they were having issues, she thought they could get through them. She was desperate to make it work and this has been so tough for her,” said the source.

“But her priority is and always has been Rafferty. He has helped her get through this and she is trying so hard to remain strong for him. She also knows it’s important for her and Jack to remain civil for his sake and she’s being comforted by her friends and family when it all gets too much.”