ACTRESS Martine McCutcheon celebrated her 'best birthday' ever after approaching it cautiously following the tragic passing of her younger brother.
Martine turned 47 yesterday and shared a post to her Instagram story on how her day went.
The former EastEnders star enjoyed a surprise trip to the Costwolds to bring in the big day.
However, she admitted she felt apprehensive about her birthday as it is the first one she has celebrated without her brother, LJ (Lawrence John), since his tragic passing.
Martine shared an expansive post where she discussed her difficult year and the fear she had for her birthday.
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Writing at length on Instagram, Martine said: "It was my birthday yesterday! My weekend consisted of a surprise trip to the Cotswolds, relaxing in a gorgeous cottage, dressing in fancy dress, Eurovision, lots of treats, balloons, cuddles, classic cars and kisses..."
She continued: "After such a tough year and also my first birthday without my baby brother being the first person to call me, I wondered how I would feel...
"But I honestly feel he made it extra special for me..."
Martine went onto reveal her brother sent her a series of 'signs' over her birthday weekend to show he was looking down on her.
She wrote: "The sun didn't stop shining, I had a few undeniable signs from him and I actually think it was one of the best birthdays I've ever had... Thank you LJ!"
The beauty then shared a radiant photo of her beaming with a bunch of flowers, a gift from her management team.
Martine confirmed her brother had passed last October with "no medical explaination".
She wrote 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."
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Martine told how her little brother was due to get married next month.
She explained: "I was asked to be bridesmaid and the last time I saw him, was a few days before he passed.
