Martine McCutcheon’s brother dies aged 31

Martine McCutcheon has revealed her brother has suddenly died aged 31 without medical explanation. 

The heartbroken TV star, 46, took to Instagram on Tuesday to reveal her only sibling Laurence John, aka LJ – who had a mild form of special needs – died two weeks ago. 

She said the website designer had been due to get married in a month’s time and Martine, who was going to be bridesmaid, had seen her brother just a few days before he had died.

Sharing a couple of photos of LJ, Martine wrote: ‘My heart is forever broken, My baby brother, my gentle giant, sadly passed away, suddenly, 2 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. 

‘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!  LJ had a mild form of special needs and was very clever with gadgets & adored his cars!’

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. 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.

‘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… Ironic really… 

‘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.’ 

Myleene Klass was among the first to offer her condolences to Martine. 

She wrote; ‘Martine. My heart is utterly broken for you. I am so very sorry.’ 

Claire Sweeney wrote: ‘Darling im so sorry to hear this.’

LJ’s Instagram bio reads: ‘I’m LJ proud brother to my sister @martinemccutcheon. Founder of @mccutcheonwebsitedesigns and fiancé to my beautiful wife to be my soulmate forever.’ 

Martine previously posted a birthday message to her brother on his 30th birthday last June.

She wrote at the time: ‘Happy 30th Birthday to my little (big) brother LJ!

‘I’m so proud of all you have achieved and who you have become – Against the odds. You arrived into my world when I was 15 and I adored you from the moment I first held you.

‘You’ve battled at times with your special needs and have had your struggles but you were always determined to live a normal life, have a good job, fall in love and get married…

‘The things so many take for granted were your biggest dreams and now it’s all coming true for you! I’m so thrilled for you! Enjoy your day with Jay and Happy Birthday Darling, here’s to your best year yet!’