Martine McCutcheon admitted anxiety made her a “recluse” as she spoke candidly about her struggles following her split from husband Jack McManus.
This week, the actress, 48, revealed that Jack, 40, had left her after 18 years together, days after she wrote a heartfelt birthday tribute for him.
She now recalls feeling like she was “losing her mind” as “enormous fear” washed over her as she dealt with the symptoms of perimenopause.
In an interview with BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour, Martine revealed: I didn’t want to answer the phone. I didn’t want to open the front door, get out and suddenly panic and have to stop while driving because I was so scared and couldn’t breathe.
“I felt like I was losing my mind. I didn’t know if that was really the case or if it was just a perimenopausal thing.”
Martine McCutcheon admitted anxiety made her a “recluse” as she spoke candidly about her struggles following her split from husband Jack McManus.
This week, the actress, 48, revealed that Jack, 40, had left her after 18 years together, days after she wrote a heartfelt birthday tribute for him.
She added: “It just appeared out of nowhere and when I spoke to my specialist about it, he said, ‘You know, unfortunately this is the case for a lot of women.'”
Martine is now on holiday in Marbella with the couple’s nine-year-old son Rafferty, while her ex is staying at his £1.5million home in Surrey.
On Friday, Martine appeared to take a cryptic dig at Jack when she reposted a video from author Alex Elle.
In the video, Alex says: ‘The older I get, the less time I have for people who are unsure of me.
“I need people in my life who are confident in me. People who want to be there. People who will make room for me.”
Sharing the video on her story, Martine wrote: ‘Love this lady. @alex_elle has a soft, calming voice that gently reminds us of our own strength, courage, love and true worth.’
Announcing their split, she wrote in a statement: “After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided that it is best for us to separate after 18 years together and I accept his decision.”
‘We both feel so blessed and grateful for our beautiful 9-year-old son Rafferty, whose happiness and well-being has always been and will continue to be our number 1 priority.’
She now recalls feeling like she was “losing her mind” as a “massive fear” washed over her while dealing with the symptoms of perimenopause.
On Thursday, Martine wrote in a statement: “After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided that it is best for us to separate after 18 years together and I accept his decision.”
She continued: ‘Of course, we both still cherish and look forward to co-parenting our wonderful little boy together for the rest of our lives…
‘While this decision has evolved over time, we are still finding our new path forward as a family and kindly request some privacy at this time… Especially for our little one.
‘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.
‘Thank you so much in advance for your respect and support during this difficult time… And 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!
‘Thank you all for the love and support now and always… Martine.xx.’
Speaking exclusively to MailOnline at the time of Martine’s statement, Jack had said: “There’s nothing more to add. I won’t say anything more about this.”
Meanwhile, a neighbour of the couple revealed they had no indication the pair were in a difficult situation, while a member of Jack’s family said the split “was very sudden”.
The neighbour shared: “It’s a big surprise. I often saw them out with their son. Martine was always very kind. I feel sorry for them.”
Speaking exclusively to MailOnline at the time of Martine’s statement, Jack had said: “There’s nothing more to add. I won’t say anything more about this.”
On Friday, Martine appeared to take a cryptic dig at Jack when she reposted a video from author Alex Elle.
Jack’s family said their split was “very sudden” and that he had caused it two months ago.
Asked today why they had split up, Jack’s aunt said from the family home in West Wickham, Kent: “I can’t really say. Jack’s mum is there with him now. I’m looking after the dog.
“It’s been tough. A lot has happened. My sister also just lost her husband. It was very sudden. It was announced two months ago.”
The couple got married in 2012 in picturesque Lake Como, Italy, five years after they began dating.