Martine McCutcheon says she doesn't have 'the perfect relationship' with her husband Jack McManus after 15 years together.
The actress, 46, who has been married to Jack, 38, for the past decade, says despite their 'ups and downs' she finds him her 'safe space' and they confide in each other 'when life gets tricky'.
Martine has had a devastating few weeks after the tragic loss of her younger brother LJ - Laurence John, with Jack being her constant support.
In a refreshingly honest chat, the former EastEnders star spoke about her marriage and renewing her vows in Italy last month in front of their seven-year-old son Rafferty.
"Both Jack and I have always been honest we don’t have the perfect relationship by any means, we’ve had our ups and downs, like everybody."
"We’ve had our challenges, but I think ultimately we’re each other’s best friend and when life gets tricky and isn’t always as fabulous it’s good you can have somebody you can talk too and confide in and be all of yourself with, and you know that’s a safe space and they’ve got your back," she told The Sun.
The couple splashed out on a five-star ceremony to renew their vows.
The lovely couple renewed their vows in Surrey giving them a chance to 'get dressed up' and escape from the daily grind, ten years after tying the knot in Lake Como, Italy.
Martine shared how making memories is at the heart of her vow renewal but admits it 'was for us' but a nice for Rafferty to witness.
"Ultimately, it was for us and I’m so glad we did it and Rafferty loved it and again got to see mum and dad in a loving way rather than going nuts on the school run," she said.
Martine added she has been reminded just how precious life is after sharing the shock of her younger brother LJ - Laurence John just weeks before he was due to get married aged 31.
She said in a heartbreaking post on Instagram : "My heart is forever broken…
"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."
Elsewhere in the interview, Martine praised working mums who can't choose to work less and feels immensely privileged to be able to fit TV work around her family life.
Since giving birth to son Rafferty, Martine has embrace her biggest role as a mum, one she whole heartedly embraces and was happy to take a step back from work for.
The former EastEnders star became a household name playing teen Tiffany Butcher.
She later took on the music industry notching up number one single with Perfect Moment and a number two debut album You Me & Us.
Her latest commitments include narrating popular ITV show Billie and Greg: The Family Diaries, starring in The Masked Singer and appearing on Saturday night show Blankety Blank.
But having been diagnosed with chronic conditions ME and fibromyalgia, Martine says she is staying focused on her nutrition and daily walks to keep her mind healthy.
The actress says she walks everyday for 20 minutes, which is good for her fibromyalgia and ME.
