Martine McCutcheon opens up about motherhood in emotional interview and says ‘I was told I’d never have children’

MARTINE McCutcheon has opened up about motherhood in an emotional interview, revealing she was once told she'd "never have children".

Actress Martine, 48, who shares nine-year-old son, Rafferty, with her estranged husband, Jack McManus, also 48, explained how her journey to becoming a parent had been fraught with struggles.

Recalling the first time she held Rafferty, she said on The Showercast podcast, “The thing that topped everything was holding my son for the first time.

"I was told I would never be able to have children, and I always felt like being a mother would be the making of me.”

Martine reflected on how becoming a mother shifted her perspective, describing the “unconditional” devotion she felt for her child.

She shared, “I knew I would be able to teach him all the things I wish I’d known.

"When I held him, there was no love like it… It made me realise that by just being who I was, I was always enough and lovable.

"I didn’t have to be all those things that I thought I had to be.”

Martine recently revealed the breakdown of her marriage after 18 years.

The Love Actually star told fans that singer-songwriter Jack had decided the pair should separate.

She said at the time: “After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided it’s best for us to separate after 18 years together and I accept his decision.”

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

"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."

But as Jack was seen for the first time without his wedding ring, Martine appeared to take a swipe at her estranged partner.

Taking to her Instagram stories, the star reposted a clip from wellness educator Alex Elle.

In the clip, the author said: "The older I get, the less time I have for people who are unsure about me.

"I need people in my life who are certain. People who want to be there. People who make space for me."

Resharing the post, Martine added: "I love this lady. @alex_elle soothing, gentle, voice, softly reminding us of our own strength, value, love and true worth."