In a heartbreaking turn of events, British actress and former EastEnders star Martine McCutcheon has been officially declared bankrupt — for the second time in her life, and less than a year after her emotional split from husband Jack McManus.

It’s a double blow that’s left fans reeling and supporters deeply concerned. Once the beloved girl-next-door who captured the nation’s heart as Tiffany Mitchell and went on to star in Love Actually, Martine’s personal life has taken a dramatic nosedive — a far cry from the glamour and success she once knew.

At 49, Martine now finds herself grappling with financial turmoil after filing for insolvency over a debt owed to a finance company. Official court documents confirm that the bankruptcy petition was made under her married name — Martine McManus — despite her being newly single at the time. The decision was finalised in March at the County Court in Guildford, filed by LDF Finance, a creditor who has not publicly disclosed the exact amount owed.

This latest downfall comes after a series of worrying signs. Just two months ago, Martine was forced to sell her Surrey family home at a £250,000 loss, slashing the asking price from £1.5 million. It was a desperate move, signaling a woman in crisis — financially, emotionally, and possibly legally.

And while her finances crumbled, so too did her marriage. After nearly two decades together — five years of dating, thirteen years of marriage — Martine and singer-songwriter Jack McManus went their separate ways in 2024. Their union, once described as a “real-life fairytale,” ended quietly, but not without heartache.

Martine took to Instagram at the time to deliver the crushing news:

“After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided it’s best for us to separate… I accept his decision.”

With calm dignity, she added that their son, 9-year-old Rafferty, would remain their “number one priority,” a sentiment that touched many hearts. But beneath the surface of strength, fans began to sense deeper turmoil — and now, with her latest bankruptcy, the full scope of her collapse is becoming painfully clear.

And yet, this isn’t her first financial downfall. The latest court ruling echoes an eerily familiar chapter from her past. In February 2013, Martine was declared bankrupt for the first time despite reportedly earning over £250,000 a year at the time. Back then, the headlines were equally jarring: how could one of the UK’s most beloved stars fall so far, so fast?

She was discharged from that bankruptcy on January 2, 2014. But a decade later, the same nightmare has returned — and this time, her safety net is thinner, her family structure fractured.

The timing of this second financial crash couldn’t be more tragic. The loss of her husband, the sale of her home, and now public bankruptcy — all within one short, brutal year. The dominoes of her life seem to have fallen in rapid succession, leaving fans wondering how Martine is coping behind the scenes.

While the exact sum owed remains undisclosed, insiders suggest that pressures from mounting debts, post-divorce financial instability, and the upkeep of celebrity-level living standards may have created the perfect storm. And now, without her longtime partner by her side, Martine must navigate the aftermath on her own — for herself and her son.

Public support has poured in on social media, with many fans urging compassion, not judgment. “She gave us so much joy on screen,” one fan wrote. “She deserves our empathy, not criticism.” Others recalled how relatable and human Martine always seemed — even in her highest moments. It’s perhaps why this fall from grace feels so personal to so many.

In the midst of all this, there are still signs of resilience. Martine continues to post sparingly on social media, sharing moments with Rafferty and glimpses of everyday joy. It’s clear that her son remains her emotional anchor. But the scars of public failure — the headlines, the judgment, the financial instability — won’t disappear easily.

And what of the future?

Can Martine rebuild again? Will this second bankruptcy finally bring the clarity and clean slate she needs? Or will it mark the end of her public career as we knew it?

Only time will tell. But if there’s one thing Martine has always shown us — both on screen and off — it’s that she’s a fighter. From EastEnders to Love Actually, from red carpets to reality, her journey has been anything but smooth. And yet, she’s always found a way to stand back up.

For now, though, Martine McCutcheon is once again facing the storm — financially battered, emotionally shaken, and walking a fragile path forward. One thing is certain: her story is far from over.