MARTINE McCutcheon revealed she has returned to work for the first time after her brother’s sudden death.
Earlier this week, the actress, 46, broke the sad news that her brother LJ – Laurence John – passed away with “no medical explanation” at the age of 31.
Martine took to social media to show her gratitude to her followers for the outpouring of love.
Wearing a white roll neck jumper, she opened about the devastating loss and said: “Hi everyone, I hope you’re well.
” It’s my first time on Instagram since I shared my post about losing my brother a couple of weeks ago.
“Firstly, thank you so much for the outpouring of love, it means so much to my family.
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“Today was my first day going back to work, I didn’t know if I could do it or not – I was nervous, a bit of filming and a meeting and I’m so glad I did it.
“I know my brother would want me to keep on keeping on and he was so proud of me and the fact that I liked to inspire people and make them feel good and give them a little bit of magic where I could.
“I felt him with me, and I did it, first day back. I did it.”
Alongside the touching clip, Martine wrote: “Thank you for your support.
“Getting back to it bit by bit. I know LJ would want me to carry on.
“He was proud of me and understood why I do what I do.
“Grief is a strange old thing and there is no one way to navigate it but it felt good to do some work.
“I was nervous but I did it.”
Martine broke the tragic news on Instagram on Tuesday – along with two photos of her and her sibling.
She wrote: “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.”
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.
“He, Jack and his future stepson had been to try on their wedding suits and then they came back to have dinner with his fiancee and the family to see our new home.
“He looked so tanned, tall and handsome. The best I’ve ever seen him. Ironic really.
“My heart aches for all who have lost him. But my heart breaks for our mum, his dad John and his step parents. You should never outlive your children.
“I’m scared to live without you LJ but I know you will want us to truly live, laugh and love in your memory. I will try I promise”.
Messages of support came from friends such as broadcaster Clara Amfo, reality TV personality Billie Faiers and singer and presenter Myleene Klass.
It comes after Martine posted a rare pic of the pair last year and said how “proud” she was after his struggles.
Alongside the moving photo, she wrote: “Happy 30th Birthday to my little (big) brother LJ!
“I’m so proud of all you have achieved and who you have become – Against the odds.”
Martine opened up about her brother’s battle with his “special needs” and his determination to lead a “normal life”.
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She continued: “You arrived into my world when I was 15 and I adored you from the moment I first held you.
“You’ve battled at times with your special needs and have had your struggles but you were always determined to live a normal life, have a good job, fall in love and get married.
“The things so many take for granted were your biggest dreams and now it’s all coming true for you! I’m so thrilled for you!”
