Love Actually star Martine McCutcheon shared a health update with fans, alongside a picture with her rarely seen husband Jack McManus.
The 47-year-old actress opened up about her struggles with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. The long-term condition causes extreme tiredness and pain all over the body.
Martine was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome in 2011 and also battled severe depression.
In April 2017, she was also diagnosed with Lyme disease. Martine revealed that a flare-up in her condition has forced her to take some 'time out' from work and social media.
Sharing the health update with fans alongside the image of Jack, she wrote: “Hello! I’ve not been on here much (see my stories).
"But taking some time out from work and social media was much needed. In fact, it was life-changing. I’ve had dates in the diary for work (and the pressure that comes with that) since I was a kid… I’ve never taken time out of work properly before.
“I’ve been in this industry since I was a toddler, and to simply have that time away from it all – just for me and my health has been like I’ve sighed the biggest exhale!”
Martine explained how she was juggling raising her son Rafferty, eight, with her chronic illness.
She continued: “Of course I still have the balancing act of managing my CFS and fibro with motherhood and work and all that stuff, but I’m going at my own pace, running my own race, and I’ve realised the world still spins when you stop and put yourself first."
“I wanted to share this with you in case any of you feel like you need to put your foot on the break for a while.”
She added that she is: “building momentum and getting ready for it all!"
"I’ve just been for my gentle walk with Jack today, and now I’m cosying up watching TV with the candles lit.”
Martine previously opened up to Hello! magazine about living with Chronic Fatigue, also known as ME, during the pandemic.
The star said: “If you have any underlying illness you can't take risks. As with any chronic condition, you can have flare-ups.
"When I go outside I always have my mask and my gloves and take it very seriously.
"I have been really good emotionally for a long time and I have felt a lot calmer. It has been good to realise it is okay to do things at your own pace.”
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