09 June 2023 , 22:21
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Martine McCutcheon has shared a loving tribute to her late brother on what have been his 32nd birthday.
Her younger sibling LJ McCutcheon passed away suddenly in September 2022 without any medical explanation.
Love Actually star Martine took to Instagram on Friday (June 9) to share a video montage consisting of several snaps taken throughout LJ's life.
The 47-year old accompanied the clip with music from John Paul Young's 'Love Is In The Air'.
Sharing her anguish with her 576,000 followers, Martine wrote: " Happy 32nd Birthday to my baby brother LJ. Our first one without you here… I KNOW in my heart you will dancing your socks off in another realm, showing them all how a celebration is done!"
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She continued: "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!
Martine McCutcheon shared a collection of snaps of her late sibling to mark his 32nd birthday (martinemccutcheon/Instagram)
The former EastEnders actress told her fans she would be raising a glass in LJ's honour (Twitter)"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."
Fans were quick to offer their love and support to the former soap star, with one responding: "My thoughts are with you today I'm sure you have a angel with you very day. Keep strong and sending love."
Another commented: "Lovely memories. Sending you, Jack and Raffy lots of love. Such a difficult day. I will certainly raise a glass to LJ this evening. A very special person. Xxx.
A third wrote: "Sending much love to you and your family....lovely words for your baby bro."
And a fourth added: "Sending love to you and the family @martinemccutcheon you guys are in my thoughts."
Announcing LJ's death last October, Martine said at the time: "My heart is forever broken. 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."
Tragically, LJ had been due to get married that month with Martine a bridesmaid for the special day.
Recalling the last time Martine saw her brother, she added: "The last time I saw him, was a few days before he passed.
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"He, jack and his future stepson had been to try on their wedding suits and then they came back to have dinner with his fiancée and the family to see our new home. He looked so tanned, tall and handsome. The best I’ve ever seen him… Ironic really…"