Love Actually star Martine McCutcheon reveals she was ‘in love’ with her co-star Hugh Grant

Martine McCutcheon was “a little in love” with Hugh Grant when they filmed ‘Love Actually’.

The former ‘EastEnders’ star played Natalie opposite the ‘Undoing’ actor as the Prime Minister in the holiday favorite, and while she was very nervous when they started filming, she was grateful that her co-star was so ‘kind and friendly’.

She said: “In the first scene we shot, I had to run and straddle Hugh at the airport.
“I felt so insecure and petrified that I took him down.”

“Hugh had always been my crush and I was kind of in love with him.”

“But he was very kind and encouraging and kind and he wanted me to shine.”

“That was 18 years ago, but we’re still in touch. He’s so happy and content, the happiest he’s ever been.”

While the movie is a Christmas classic for many, Martine hates to see it again.

She said, “My mother loves it, but I’m always critical of my performance.”

But the 44-year-old star hopes her five-year-old son Rafferty, whom she has with husband Jack McManus, will be old enough to see the film and understand its messages.

She told Britain’s HELLO! Magazine: “I am very proud of this film. When Rafferty grows up and has children of his own, I want everyone to know that his message of love is what I stand for.”

Meanwhile, Martine recorded a festive EP, ‘Home for Christmas’, in her husband’s home studio during the lockdown and admitted that it helped lift her family’s spirits.

She said: “It encouraged us and brought hope. We also involved other musicians who have been out of work for months due to the lockdown.”

“It is important to keep your mojo and help others feel good.