Martine McCutcheon Declared Bankrupt Following Divorce and Financial Struggles

Martine McCutcheon, the well-known EastEnders actress and star of the film Love Actually, has been declared bankrupt just 11 months after her marriage to musician Jack McManus ended. The 49-year-old actress filed a petition for insolvency due to debts owed to LDF Finance, a finance company, as revealed by official public records on July 19, 2025.

McCutcheon's financial troubles arose shortly after her high-profile split from McManus, with whom she shares a ten-year-old son. Following their divorce announcement in August 2024, the couple sold their five-bedroom home in Surrey for £1.355 million, a significant reduction from its initial asking price of £1.5 million. The sale followed the couple's decision to separate after 18 years together, despite having celebrated their wedding in a lavish ceremony in Lake Como, Italy, back in 2012.

The bankruptcy order was issued in March 2025, with the court documents stating that the order was made under her married name, Martine McManus, despite her being single at the time. The petition was filed by LDF Finance, although the exact amount owed remains unspecified. Additionally, McCutcheon's company, Raven Music Ltd, was wound up in June 2025 following a request from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) due to unpaid tax liabilities amounting to over £175,000, revealing further financial strain on the actress.

This recent bankruptcy marks McCutcheon's second financial crisis, as she previously faced bankruptcy in 2013 after accumulating debts of £187,000, primarily owed to HMRC. She was discharged from that bankruptcy in 2014, allowing her to make a financial recovery. However, the recent string of events has left her in a precarious situation, raising questions about her future financial stability.

Despite her financial woes, McCutcheon has maintained a positive public demeanor. Earlier this year, she shared glimpses of her life on social media, showcasing outings with her son and dog, portraying a sense of normalcy amid her personal struggles. Insiders have indicated that the actress views her current challenges as a fresh start, echoing sentiments from a source who stated, "Martine's had an incredibly tough few years, but she's seeing it as a fresh start and will look to bounce back."

McCutcheon's career began at a young age when she became a household name as Tiffany Mitchell in EastEnders in 1995. Her success continued with a music career that peaked with a number one hit in 1999. She also gained international fame through her role in Love Actually. Despite her early financial successes, McCutcheon has openly discussed her materialistic tendencies, acknowledging the impact of financial hardship on her life.

As she navigates this challenging period, McCutcheon has expressed hopes of rebuilding her career and personal life. The implications of her current financial status extend beyond her public image; they raise broader questions about financial literacy and the pressures faced by public figures in maintaining their livelihoods. Moving forward, analysts will be observing how McCutcheon manages her finances and career in the wake of these recent developments.