Martine McCutcheon urges fans to 'hold each other tight' after brother's death

Martine McCutcheon has broken her silence to pay a tribute to her brother LJ who died suddenly last week.

LJ, full name Laurence John, died at the age of 31 with 'no medical explanation', leaving the former Eastenders star heartbroken as she made the announcement last week.

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This Sunday (October 16), Martine returned to Instagram to share a short clip of herself outside, wearing a beige beanie hat and black leather jacket as she looked out to an unknown view reflectively.

Fleetwood Mac's classic song 'Everywhere' played over the clip.

"Blue sky and sunshine Saturday," she wrote, alongside a sunshine emoji. "Have a wonderful weekend all. Hold each other extra tight and make memories."

Her short but sweet message caused her fans and friends to flock to her comments to send her love and support during this difficult time.

"Sending hugs and love and light," wrote Gaby Roslin, while chef Gizzi Erskine added: "Love and power to you my Angel."

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After sharing her story online, fans have offered their support after also losing a loved one.

"One day at time is all you can do to honour your brother," wrote one.

"Sending you love and hugs. I lost my brother when he was 18. He was the passenger in a car," wrote another follower. "The grief of losing a brother is unbelievable. You don’t know what to do. Music helps me. I was listening to Alanis Morissette earlier and we used to love listening to that together, really loud on the Hifi when our parents were out.

"The extreme shock will pass, you have memories and laughter and love, you find peace in your way. I know how hard it is… big love and hugs."

Martine shared online the loss of her brother on Tuesday, sharing a long post explaining who LJ was and what he meant to her. She also revealed he was due to be married next month.

"L.J (Laurence John) was born when I was 15 years old and from the moment I first held him in my arms, I felt so proud and fiercely protective of him," she said in part of the statement.

"He was such a character! He made us all laugh and loved nothing more than making a plan, having a great play list, bringing people together and generally having a giggle. He hated the thought of a party ending and so was always on to the next thing!"

The statement ended: "My heart aches for all who have lost him. But my heart breaks for our mum, his dad John & 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."

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