EastEnders actor and pop star Martine McCutcheon’s real-name has been revealed and the reason for the change all stemmed from an ordeal she went through as a child

Acting star Martine McCutcheon was first thrust into fame when she joined the cast of EastEnders in 1994 playing Tiffany Mitchell. But not many people know that Martine McCutcheon is actually not the actress’s given name.

Martine was born ‘Martine Kimberley Sherrie Ponting’ to her mum, Jenny Ponting, and her dad Thomas “Keith” Hemmings. Jenny and Keith split after he was charged with domestic violence. Jenny then met John McCutheon and Martine ended up taking the surname of her step-dad. Martine’s ‘real name’ came up more recently in 2013 when the star petitioned for bankruptcy at Kingston-Upon-Thames County Court under the name Martine Kimberley Sherri Ponting, according to trade publication Credit Today.

Matine has since spoken out about her dad’s abuse and in an interview with The Guardian, explained that he threatened to ‘drop her over a balcony’.

Actress Martine played EastEnders’ Tiffany Mitchell from 1995 until the character was killed-off in 1999. Tiffany was hit by a car outside of the Queen Vic driven by Frank Butcher (Mike Reid) and she died in the street.

Four years after her death, Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) named her daughter Tiffany (Maisie Smith) after her best friend. Martine has since gone on to star in Love Actually, The Bromley Boys, Midsomer Murders and The Masked Singer in 2021 where she came in second place.

In her personal life, Martine married singer Jack McManus in Lake Como in September 2012 after three years of dating. The pair welcomed their son, Raffety Jack McManus in 2015.

However, just two months ago, Martine broke the sad news that she and Jack were separating. She announced the news in August with a statement: “After much thought and consideration, Jack has decided it’s best for us to separate after 18 years together and I accept his decision. We are both so very blessed and grateful for our beautiful, 9 year old son Rafferty, who’s happiness and welfare, has always been, and will continue to be, our number 1 priority. We both of course, still cherish and look forward to being parents together to our wonderful boy for the rest of our lives… Whilst this decision has evolved over a period of time, we are still finding our new way forward as a family and kindly ask for some privacy at this time… Especially for our little boy.”

Martine continued: “Our love for Rafferty, is something that will never, waver, or change and we obviously want to protect him and help him feel as safe and secure as possible. Many thanks in advance for your respect and support, at this difficult time… And I continue to send Jack, all the love, luck and happiness for the next chapter of his.

“Rafferty and I (as always,) are rooting for you! Thank you all, for the love and support, now and always… Martine.xx.”