Martine McCutcheon's life is very different in 2022 from the woman we knew as the star of EastEnders and Love Actually.
Now 45, she lives in the Surrey countryside, where she loves long walks with her dog and the room "to breathe". And the 45-year-old has just launched a modelling career after being signed by the prestigious Elite model agency, which has represented supermodels Cindy Crawford and Naomi Campbell. And, from photographs on her Instagram page - it is clear to see why.
Looking happy and healthy, Martine says it has taken time to get to that point. Over the past decade, Martine has suffered a number of hidden illnesses that have been tough to deal with, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia and Lyme disease, The Mirror reports.
But she has found ways to manage her health, which has given her the energy to chase both her dreams and her seven-year-old “miracle baby” Rafferty, who was conceived despite fertility issues. Martine told Love Sunday magazine: "I think it takes a long time to work out what your own recipe is. It’s taken me such a long time to look through all the stuff that’s out there, and just do what works for me. So it’s not as simple as just going on a crazy diet. I just feel like it’s really important to encourage women to just be the best version of themselves."
Martine says she doesn't follow a particular diet to stay healthy but has a simple trick to stay in shape: "The 80/20 rule is what works for me," she said.
"For 80% of my week, I will have mainly just healthy proteins, vegetables and fruit, organic and veggie juices, and Flora ProActiv spread. And then I’ll have treats 20% of the time – I’ll have that slice of pizza, chocolate or a G&T to celebrate a friend’s birthday. I’ll do it because I know that for most of the week, I’ve been doing the good bits for my heart."
Martine also goes for a 40 minute walk every day for exercise: "I walk with my dogs every day – it’s good for my head and my health," she said.
"Normally I’ll do the school drop-off ready to go in my trainers with the dogs in the back of the car. Then I’ll go straight to the forest. When we lived in London, I’d walk to the parks or go on the treadmill in the gym, but it wasn’t as satisfying as it is now.
"Now we live in the Surrey countryside I have a lot more beautiful space around me, where I have that time to breathe. I like to walk for about 40 minutes."
In her latest post on Instagram, she says: "Feeling great and generally grateful for life and it’s possibilities. For a few reasons. But life is so precious - and short. Don’t you just love it when you realise and feel that?! A whole new phase in my life is coming and it will take a while to manifest but I can’t wait to share more with you!"
Martine McCutcheon is working with Flora ProActiv to announce its partnership with HEART UK and educate the country on the importance of understanding and testing cholesterol levels. This Valentine’s Day, Flora ProActiv has created a set of cards to encourage cholesterol testing, where all proceeds will go to HEART UK.
