A BBC EastEnders legend has issued a heartbreaking announcement on social media, in memory of her late brother. Martine McCutcheon took the chance to mark what would have been her sibling's 32nd birthday with a heartfelt post.
The soap and Love Actually actress was then flooded with support from fans, telling the 47-year-old that their thoughts were with the star and that they were "sending" love, to the family, reports Birmingham Live.
She wrote: "Happy 32nd Birthday to my baby brother LJ. Our first one without you here… I KNOW in my heart you will (be) dancing your socks off in another realm, showing them all how a celebration is done!
"But in the meantime, here on Earth, we miss you SO desperately! However, I KNOW you would want us to use our energy to celebrate all things YOU instead!
"So, today, we raise a glass to a true one-off, a go-getter, a gentle giant, an adventurer, a lover of life and someone who showed us all how to truly live. Here’s to you baby! I know you are with me everyday and I continue to try and do you proud. We all love you and will forever. Till we meet again Dimples."
Martine added the hashtags #brothersisterlove #myangel #happybirthdayinheaven #missingyou and #celebratingyou in her post, as well as #celebratingloveandlife. In reply, Instagram follower Robyn said: "Sending you all so much love.
"Happy birthday LJ ." Sonya said: "Thinking of you and love you loads x" Shane said: "He will always be in your heart." Another typed: "I’m so sorry. Sending you and your family love today." Claire posted: "Thoughts are with you Martine."
Imelda shared: "Sending loads of love to you all." Hinching said: "Thoughts are with you....." Martine announced her brother's tragic death last year. Alongside a couple of photos of Martine and LJ, she said her heart’s “forever broken”.
She said: “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.”
She continued: “L.J (Laurence John) was born when I was 15 years old and from the moment I first held him in my arms, I felt so proud and fiercely protective of him. He was such a character, he made us all laugh and loved nothing more than making a plan, having a great play list, bringing people together and generally having a giggle.
“He hated the thought of a party ending and so was always on to the next thing!”
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