Martine McCutcheon, the actress who captured hearts as Hugh Grant's love interest in the classic Christmas film Love Actually, is facing a starkly different reality off-screen. The 49-year-old star was declared bankrupt in July, a financial blow that came just 11 months after her separation from musician husband Jack McManus.
Financial Struggles and a Family Home Sold
Official records revealed McCutcheon filed for insolvency over a debt to a finance company. This bankruptcy order was issued merely two months after she and McManus sold their five-bedroom detached family home in Surrey for £1,355,000 as they went their separate ways. The couple share a ten-year-old son.
This marks the second time the actress, whose net worth was once estimated at over £2 million, has faced bankruptcy. She was previously declared bankrupt in 2013 with debts of £187,000, including £150,000 owed to HMRC. Furthermore, her company, Raven Music Ltd, was wound up recently at the request of HMRC over unpaid tax bills exceeding £175,000.
A Festive Fightback: Five Christmas Campaigns
In a bid to improve her finances, McCutcheon has embarked on a busy schedule of festive promotions. She is fronting five distinct Christmas campaigns this season, leveraging her enduring association with the holiday period.
Costa Coffee Reunion
Recreating an iconic scene from Love Actually, McCutcheon teamed up with Costa Coffee at London's Stansted Airport. As part of a special welcoming committee, she handed out warm drinks and witnessed emotional reunions, flanked by a gospel choir. "Watching people light up the moment they see someone they've missed is truly magical," she said.
Google Pixel Reunion
In another nod to her festive film legacy, McCutcheon reunited with her Love Actually co-star Thomas Brodie-Sangster after 22 years for a Google Pixel advert. Filmed on a snow-dusted South Bank, she wore the famous red coat from the film for the campaign.
Brand Deals and Meet-and-Greets
Her other ventures include a promotion for Elavate's Multi Collagen supplement, where she discussed concerns about ageing skin. She also partnered with haircare brand Polytar, sharing her struggles with scalp health. Additionally, after switching on the Christmas lights at The Mitre hotel in Hampton Court, she launched a 'Win a Martini with Martine' competition for fans.
The Backstory: Split and Financial Pressures
The actress's financial woes intensified after her very public split. McCutcheon revealed in August 2023 that McManus had ended their 18-year relationship, a decision she said she accepted. They had purchased their Surrey home for £1.3 million in June 2022, but placed it on the market just months later, eventually selling at a reduced price.
The bankruptcy was issued in her married name, Martine McManus, despite her being formally single at the time. It remains unclear if her full personal tax affairs will be made public. For now, the star is channelling her festive fame into a determined effort to recover her financial footing.
