Martine McCutcheon has revealed her younger brother Laurence John has died suddenly just weeks before his wedding day.
The 46-year-old actress, who famous played Tiffany Mitchell in EastEnders, shared devasting news on her Instagram page on Tuesday (October 11) alongside snaps of her sibling.
In a lengthy message, she began: “My heart is forever broken.
READ MORE: EastEnders beauty Martine McCutcheon issues gushing tribute to famous husband
“My baby brother, my gentle giant, sadly passed away, suddenly, two 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.
(Image: Instagram)
“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.
“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!”
(Image: Instagram)
Mum-of-one Martine went on to explain that LJ had a mild form of special needs, adored cards and was “very clever” with gadgets.
She continued: “With unwavering love, support and a commitment to himself, he took hold of life with both hands and smashed through any expectation we had of him.
“He would genuinely blow us all away at times! He had a huge heart and adored Rafferty.”
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for SHEIN)
“He gave me so much, he was my anchor, my radar of what really mattered in life and whilst he was always so proud of me and would tell the world I was his sister.
“I always wanted to protect him from the limelight and the characters that could be drawn to him for the wrong reasons.
“He travelled the world, he had parents, sisters, a brother and friends that couldn’t have loved him more! He could have you infuriated one minute and laughing the next with his dimples and soppy smile.”
(Image: PA)
Martine, who appeared on second series of The Masked Singer UK, explained that she was due to be bridesmaid at his wedding in the coming weeks.
She typed: “LJ fell in love and was due to get married next month. 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 fiancée and the family to see our new home. He looked so tanned, tall and handsome.
Like what you see? Then fill your boots…
There’s MUCH more where that came from! Want all the jaw-dropping stories from the world of showbiz and up to the minute news from TV and soaps?
Well, we’ve got you covered with our showbiz, TV and soaps newsletters – they’ll drop straight into your inbox and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.
We’ll bring you the inside track from telly expert Ed Gleave and soap specialist Sasha Morris. Oh, and your daily fix of Piers, Katie Price, Demi Rose and all your other Daily Star favs.
You can sign up here – you won’t regret it…
“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.
“Im 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”
For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletter by clicking here
READ NEXT:
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
