Bankrupt Martine McCutcheon Thanks Her Fans

Former EastEnders star Martine McCutcheon has thanked her fans for their support after being declared bankrupt.

The Love Actually actress had petitioned for bankruptcy at Kingston-Upon-Thames County Court.

Bankruptcy trustee KPMG said the celebrity's largest creditor was the taxman - Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs.

Joint trustee David Standish said: "We are now responsible for administering her estate and are in the process of establishing the individual's assets and liabilities."

Fans and friends rallied behind the actress, with Twitter follower WadeWarren4 telling her: "Sorry to hear your news, its easy to judge when you don't know the facts. Best wishes x"

The 36-year-old star tweeted: "I can't begin to express my love and gratitude for such kind and encouraging messages. I'm truly so touched. I love you guys. Thank you. Xx"

McCutcheon became famous playing Albert Square barmaid Tiffany Mitchell before being killed off in 1998 in a dramatic scene with her on-screen husband Grant, played by Ross Kemp.

She later starred in romantic comedy Love Actually alongside Hugh Grant, and also had a number one single in 1999 with Perfect Moment.

Other career highlights for the Hackney-born actress include winning an Olivier Award for her role as Eliza Doolittle in the stage production of My Fair Lady.

More recently McCutcheon, who married partner Jack McManus last year, has starred in a yoghurt advert and had a novel called The Mistress published.

According to her management's website, she is working on a second novel and is in the studio working on new material.