Singer and actress Martine McCutcheon has announced her “baby brother” has died at the age of 31.

She revealed the news of Laurence John McCutcheon’s death on her Instagram page.

The former EastEnders and Love Actually star, 46, said he had died suddenly two weeks ago – around a month before he was due to get married.

“My heart is forever broken,” she wrote.

“My baby brother, my gentle giant, sadly passed away, suddenly, 2 weeks ago.”

She said there was “no medical explanation” for his death.

“Whilst we investigate further, we are having to accept that nothing will bring our boy back to us,” she said.

“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!”

She said her brother had “a mild form of special needs”, was “very clever with gadgets” and “adored his cars!”

“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,” she said.

“He would genuinely blow us all away at times! He had a huge heart and adored Rafferty [her son].

‘He was my anchor’

McCutcheon said he couldn’t have loved his family more.

“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.”

She added: “He could have you infuriated one minute and laughing the next with his dimples and soppy smile.”

Talking about his upcoming wedding, she said: “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. The best I’ve ever seen him.

“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,” she wrote.

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