Martine McCutcheon has shared her heartache as she announced the sudden death of her younger brother LJ.
The actor, 46, revealed that her brother Laurence John - known as LJ - died "suddenly" a few weeks ago, aged just 31. She said there was "no medical explanation" for his death.
The EastEnders alum shared the tragic news on Instagram earlier this afternoon alongside two photos of her sibling. One of the photos showed Martine and LJ sat together.
She wrote in the accompanying caption: "My heart is forever broken. My baby brother, my gentle giant, sadly passed away, suddenly, 2 weeks ago. He was 31 years old."
Martine said LJ had been due to get married next month and she had been asked to be a bridesmaid. She said the last time she saw him was just days before his death, after he'd been to a suit fitting with her husband Jack McManus.
Reflecting on it, she said: "I was asked to be bridesmaid and the last time I saw him, was a few days before he passed.
"He, Jack and his future stepson had been to try on their wedding suits and then they came back to have dinner with his fiancée and the family to see our new home. He looked so tanned, tall and handsome. The best I've ever seen him. Ironic really."
The Love Actually star said in the post that there is "no medical explanation" behind her brother's death, adding that the family are still looking into the cause.
She said: "There is no medical explanation as to why we lost him so soon and whilst we investigate further, we are having to accept that nothing will bring our boy back to us."
Martine continued: "L.J (Laurence John) was born when I was 15 years old and from the moment I first held him in my arms, I felt so proud and fiercely protective of him."
Paying tribute, she described him as "such a character" who made the family laugh and "loved nothing more than making a plan, having a great playlist, bringing people together and generally having a giggle. He hated the thought of a party ending and so was always on to the next thing".
She told her followers that her brother had a "mild form of special needs" and was "very clever" with gadgets. The former soap actor added that LJ "adored his cars".
She continued: "With unwavering love, support and a commitment to himself, he took hold of life with both hands and smashed through any expectation we had of him. He would genuinely blow us all away at times.
Martine said that LJ had a "huge heart" and adored her son Rafferty, seven. She added: "He gave me so much. He was my anchor, my radar of what really mattered in life".
She explained that whilst he was "always so proud" of her and wanted to tell the world he was her brother, she "always wanted to protect him from the limelight".
She continued: "He travelled the world, he had parents, sisters, a brother and friends that couldn't have loved him more. He could have you infuriated one minute and laughing the next with his dimples and soppy smile."
Martine concluded by writing: "My heart aches for all who have lost him. But my heart breaks for our mum, his dad John and his step parents. You should never outlive your children.
"I'm scared to live without you LJ but I know you will want us to truly live, laugh and love in your memory. I will try I promise".
The post has prompted an outpouring of support from her followers, with many having expressed condolences and paid their respects in the comments section.
