British actor Martine McCutcheon is announcing her separation from her husband, Jack McManus — and making it clear that he was the one who wanted to part ways. The announced Aug. 22 in an Instagram story that McManus, a musician, had "decided" that the couple, who share a 9-year-old son named Rafferty, should separate after 18 years together, and that she had obliged.
"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 wrote. "We are both so very blessed and grateful for our beautiful, 9 year old son Rafferty," she continued, adding that Rafferty's "happiness and welfare, has always been, and will continue to be, our number 1 priority." McCutcheon went on to say that both she and McManus "still cherish and look forward to being parents together to our wonderful boy for the rest of our lives.
" She added that the couple’s decision to separate “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 wrote, adding, "Our love for Rafferty, is something that will never, waver, or change and we obviously want to protect him and help him feel as safe and secure as possible." She concluded, "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 her thanks to fans "for the love and support, now and always." McCutcheon played Natalie, a junior staff member at 10 Downing Street who finds love with David, the new prime minister of England, , in “Love Actually." McCutcheon and McManus began their relationship a few years after the holiday rom-com's 2003 release.
The pair tied the knot at Lake Como in Italy in 2012. On Aug. 4, McCutcheon celebrated McManus' 40th birthday by sharing family photos , including one of the musician kissing the top of Rafferty's head.
In her caption, McCutcheon acknowledged that McManus' birthday would be "bittersweet" because he had lost his "Darling Dad." "You are so very loved Jack. And as your Dad would say, acknowledge and respect your feelings, let yourself truly feel and reflect on what you don’t have but don’t dwell on it for too long either, as it can swallow you whole when you are low," she wrote.
She added, "You know I love you unconditionally and I just wish I could make it all better!" Gina Vivinetto is a writer for TODAY.com..
