Martine McCutcheon and husband Jack McManus surprised son Rafferty with a trip to meet Santa on Wednesday.
Taking to Instagram the former EastEnders actress, 46, revealed the youngster was shocked after thinking they were ‘popping out to get some bits and bobs’.
Martine shared a gorgeous snap of the three as they bundled up from the cold and posed inside a grotto.
Surprise! Martine McCutcheon, 46, and husband Jack McManus surprised son Rafferty, seven, with a trip to meet Santa on Wednesday
The Love Actually star looked chic in an all black ensemble as she lovingly cuddled up to seven-year-old Rafferty.
Martine wrote: ‘When Rafferty Met Santa… Well someone was VERY shocked and happy to meet the big man himself!’
‘Rafferty thought we were just popping out to get some bits and bobs and it turned out to be a wonderful festive surprise! Rafferty had a good old chat to Father Christmas, explaining that the decorators are at our house at the moment painting etc’.
Can’t believe it! Taking to Instagram the former EastEnders actress, 46, revealed the youngster was shocked after thinking they were ‘popping out to get some bits and bobs’
‘So a huge mirror is on his bed and so he can’t sleep in his room right now, but NOT to worry, as they will be gone in time for Christmas, so Santa can leave a sack, or a stocking, or something there at the end of his bed (hint, hint ) I wondered where he was leading to!’
She continued: ‘And he also said we will keep the chimney clear and leave mince pies, carrots for the reindeer and milk or whiskey!’
‘We had a look at a gorgeous manger with a nativity scene and we also saw where all the letters to Father Christmas go and it was heart warming to watch Rafferty’s little face light up. He was so thankful and it made me melt’.
Home: She later took to her Instagram Stories as she and Rafferty relaxed by their lavishly decorated tress
Before adding: ‘Everyone was so sweet and watching the kids with their excitement – and their parents feeding off that, was so gorgeous to see. Love really was all around’.
She later took to her Instagram Stories as she and Rafferty relaxed by their lavishly decorated tree.
The youngster wore reindeer ears and appeared to bounce on a space popper with Martine writing: ‘My little reindeer is getting so excited now’.
Festive spirit: Martine wrote: ‘When Rafferty Met Santa… Well someone was VERY shocked and happy to meet the big man himself!’
The actress had been working non-stop for several years due to her role in EastEnders, leading to the decision to quit showbusiness before landing the Christmas role.
During a new interview with The Mirror, she explained that she had made the decision to quit the business and would come back if she was signed to a large role.
Big break: It comes after Martine revealed Love Actually saved her from a burnt out period where she felt ‘exhausted and unwell’ (pictured in the movie)
The star had been playing Tiffany Mitchell in EastEnders from the age of 17 until 23, and felt the toll of the busy schedule.
She explained: ‘It was a relentless schedule of 22 scenes a day, six days a week, alongside my pop career. There was a lot of pressure, a lot of touring and I battled with exhaustion and felt unwell.
Continuing that she decided not to continue, Martine shared: ‘I was only 23 and lived on my own – it was scary.
Too much: The star had been playing Tiffany Mitchell in EastEnders from the age of 17 until 23, and felt the toll of the busy schedule as she was ‘exhausted’ and preparing to leave the industry (pictured on EastEnders in 1998)
‘I just thought, “I love what I do but I don’t love what comes with it’, so I called my agent and gave up the industry. I remember thinking, ‘If I’m meant to stay in it I’ll get a big sign.”‘
Taking time off, Martine explained that she went to stay with a pal in Spain and ‘slept for three days straight’.
But it didn’t last long, with director Richard Curtis calling and offering the actress the part to star alongside Hugh Grant in Love Actually just a week later.
Leaving: Martine explained that she had made the decision to quit the business and would come back if she was signed to a large role
