Martine McCutcheon proved she has barely aged a day as she marked her 50th birthday on Thursday. The actress, who shot to fame as Tiffany Mitchell on EastEnders and became a household name following her appearance in Love Actually, has been displaying her revenge body after prioritising her skin, diet and fitness following a turbulent year.
In October 2024, she announced her split from singer husband Jack McManus, 41, and 11 months later, Daily Mail revealed that Martine was declared bankrupt. Despite these challenges, she has focused on her health, dropping three dress sizes and five stone in weight.
Health Journey and Diet
Martine has shared her health journey with fans on Instagram. In 2022, she revealed it has taken her 'such a long time to do what works for her' as she opened up about staying in shape. In an interview with OK! magazine, the Love Actually star noted that she doesn't like to discuss her weight but follows the 80/20 rule diet.
She said: '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 do just what works for me. So it's not as simple as just going on a crazy diet.'
Detailing her diet, she added: 'The 80/20 rule is what works for me. 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.' She also indulges in pizza, chocolate or a G&T for special occasions without guilt.
Fitness Routine
The mum-of-one keeps in shape by walking her dogs every day after the school run and doing Pilates, which she says are good for both 'my head and my health'.
Body Image and Public Scrutiny
Martine, who made her children's TV debut as a teenager, has spoken about how growing up in the public eye made her aware of her weight from a young age. 'I was always conscious of staying as thin as I could be,' she said in a 2016 interview. 'It looked better on camera, meant I could fit into size 8 sample sizes and it was easier and more affordable with stylists.'
When asked how hurtful comments affected her, she admitted 'there were hundreds' and said she was body shamed 'loads of times'. 'People spoke about me like I was a piece of meat and I can’t believe that’s still going on in this day and age,' she added.
In 2003, her figure became the subject of national attention when her Love Actually character, Natalie, was teased for her weight. She is called 'plumpy' by her father and 'chubby' by other characters. In the final moments, the Prime Minister (Hugh Grant) says, 'God, you weigh a lot!' as he picks her up. Martine has defended the film, insisting it was supposed to help women see they are perfect as they are.
Botox and Skincare
Martine has been honest about using Botox to maintain her youthful glow, sharing a video in August of her most recent treatment. In 2016, she spoke of how she grew to love it after a first session that left her 'looking deranged'. She said: 'When I had a really tough time being unwell, and trying to have rapidity and it didn't go well, it basically showed on my face a lot and I looked ravaged... I just looked in the mirror and thought I've always had nice skin, I always had a nice beautiful glow, and it has gone.' After trying Botox again, she loved it because 'it didn't look like I wasn't me anymore, I just didn't looked like me but not a creased pillow.'
