Martin McCutcheon shared a heartbreaking tribute to her late brother on what would have been his 32nd birthday.
The EastEnders actress, 46, announced the death of her brother Laurence John (LJ) McCutcheon in November last year as she marks his first birthday without him. Taking to social media, Martine shared a slew of family snaps in the emotional update.
Martine penned: "Happy 32nd Birthday to my baby brother LJ. Our first one without you here…
"I KNOW in my heart you will dancing your socks off in another realm, showing them all how a celebration is done! But in the meantime, here on Earth, we miss you SO desperately! However, I KNOW you would want us to use our energy to celebrate all things YOU instead!
"So, today, we raise a glass to a true one off, a go getter, a gentle giant, an adventurer, a lover of life and someone who showed us all how to truly live. Here’s to you baby! I know you are with me everyday and I continue to try and do you proud. We all love you and will forever. Till we meet again Dimples."
Fans flooded the Love Actually star's comments with messages of love and support after the heartbreaking announcement. One commented: "Sending you all so much love."
Another fan said: "He will always be in your heart," while someone else added: "I’m so sorry. Sending you and your family love today."
Announcing the death of her brother last year, Martine said her heart was “forever broken”.
She said: “My baby brother, my gentle giant, sadly passed away, suddenly, 2 weeks ago. He was 31 years old.
"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.”
She 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.
"He was such a character, he made us all 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!”
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