Martine McCutcheon shares a series of adorable childhood throwback snaps as she celebrates her 45th birthday – and tells fans she always ‘dreamed big’
As part of her 45th birthday celebrations, Martine McCutcheon has shared a number of throwback photographs onto her social media.
The actress and TV personality took to Instagram on Saturday to upload the variety of adorable images for her followers.
Among the images were two snaps of herself as a young girl, taken by her family members.
Young star: Birthday girl: Martine McCutcheon shared a series of throwback snaps on Saturday as she celebrated her 45th birthday – and told fans she always dreamed big
Another picture showed her as a teenager alongside a couple of her friends.
Martine’s Love Actually co-star Colin Firth also featured in the collection of images, seen hugging Martine while on the set of the film.
Writing alongside the images, Martine said: ‘So, As many of you may know – it was my birthday yesterday! I had a such a great time that I didn’t get the time or chance to post on insta on May the 14th! (I will share more pics tomorrow)
‘A lot has happened in 45 years. I couldn’t possibly begin to fit it all in! I could say I didn’t dream of some of the things that happened to me , but to be honest I always did dream big and felt that I was destined to do certain things….
Friendship: Another of the images uploaded featured Martine posing alongside two of her friends during her younger years
Camera shy: In one photo, Martine was seen as a small baby, struggling to look anywhere but at the camera
Cute: Martine was also seen posing with her husband Jack Mcmanus as they celebrated their engagement in the early 2000s
‘Even if it did all start from selling dodgy perfumes with my mum at car boot sales in the East end! I have my mum to thank for always going for it and believing I had a chance to do better things – Thank you @tomlin.jenny
‘I started my ballroom classes in Mare street in Hackney and then fell in love with Ballet dancing – I started doing adverts, and then over the years became successful in TV, theatre, music and film – I always felt my purpose was to be an inspiration in some way… Make people feel good or like they could be someone – I hope that’s happened and I’ve inspired some of you along the way.
‘Most of all I met and fell in love with the love of my life @jackmcmanus1 and finally after years of misfortune, I became a mother. I knew in my heart it would complete me and it did. Rafferty, I couldn’t love you more. You are the light of my life.
‘Life has been a rollercoaster for sure- certainly not dull! There has definitely been lots of laughter and tears but that’s what makes us alive and we live and learn… I really believe we are all here to learn our own unique lessons for spiritual growth. I’m so grateful for what and who I have in my life now. I’m proud of the woman I have worked on to become and I’m so happy to say I’m the most content and complete I’ve ever been.
‘Life isn’t always easy but hold on and keep smiling as you never know what tomorrow may bring as my hero Scarlett O Hara says “Tomorrow is another day!” . Thank you for all the amazing flowers, gifts, cards & messages – I’m beyond thrilled with them all.
‘Thanks for sharing my journey and for your unconditional support Sending you 45 years worth of love! MM x #belatedbirthdaypost #stillcelebrating #whatalife #couldntmakeitup #happy #whoop.’
It comes after Martine said she feels much sexier now than she ever did when she was younger.
Love Actually: Her co-star in the smash-hit Christmas film, Colin Firth, also featured amongst the montage of photographs
The actress revealed she is a more fulfilled and confident person now she is older than when she was starting her career in her twenties two decades ago.
She said that ‘genuine confidence’ took her time and says she looks up to older actresses like Jennifer Lopez and Helen Mirren who still have successful careers.
Speaking last month, she told The Sun: ‘I’m feeling so much more fulfilled, confident and sexy than I ever did in my twenties.
‘What’s amazing is looking at people like Jennifer Lopez and Helen Mirren, who are ageing and yet their careers are still going strong. They’ve got this inner glow.
‘People always thought I was really confident, but it was a good act. Genuine confidence took time for me.’
Family: A snap taken when her son Rafferty was still very young was the final image included in the collection of photos