Love ActuallyStar Martine McCutcheon Separating from Husband After 18 Years Together: 'I Accept His Decision'

Mar. 15, 2025

Jack McManus and Martine McCutcheon in London on May 24, 2018.Photo:James Shaw/Shutterstock

Martine McCutcheon and Jack McManus

James Shaw/Shutterstock

Martine McCutcheonand husbandJack McManusare separating.

TheLove Actuallyactress, 48, revealed the news on herInstagram StoriesThursday, Aug. 22, writing, “After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided it’s best for us to separate after 18 years together and I accept his decision.”

McCutcheon, who married McManus in September 2012, went on to write that the former couple are “so very blessed and grateful for our beautiful, 9-year-old son Rafferty, who’s [sic] happiness and welfare has always been, and will continue to be, our number 1 priority.”

“We both, of course, still cherish and look forward to being parents together to our wonderful boy for the rest of our lives … " she continued.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

Martine McCutcheon’s announcement about her separation from husband Jack McManus.Martine McCutcheon/Instagram

Martine McCutcheon Separating from Husband Jack McManus

Martine McCutcheon/Instagram

The English actress and singer shared that the “decision” for her and McManus, 40, to end their marriage “has evolved over a period of time.”

“We are still finding our new way forward as a family and kindly ask for some privacy at this time … especially for our little boy,” she explained. “Ourlove for Raffertyis something that will never waver or change and we obviously want to protect him and help him feel as safe and secure as possible.”

“I continue to send Jack all the love, luck and happiness for the next chapter of his life. Rafferty and I (as always) are rooting for you!” she added. “Thank you all for the love and support, now and always … Martine.xx.”

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

McCutcheon — who played Natalie, the love interest ofHugh Grant’s prime-minister character David, in the 2003 holiday rom-comLove Actually —previously celebrated her 11th wedding anniversary with McManus, a musician, in September 2023.

“I can’t believe we said ‘I do’ in Lake Como all that time ago, but what a magical, mesmerizing day it was!” the actress continued. “Meanwhile, today we’ve kept it mega chilled. We are both knackered after a full on couple of weeks, so a little stroll in the forest and rain, talking about our journey so far was perfect. So many memories and so many more to make my darling!”

source: people.com