Martine McCutcheon and husband Jack McManus surprised son Rafferty with a trip to see 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 little things”.
Martine shared a beautiful snap of the three as they bundled up from the cold and posed in a grotto.
Surprise! Martine McCutcheon, 46, and husband Jack McManus surprised son Rafferty, seven, with a trip to see Santa on Wednesday
The Love Actually star looked chic in an all-black ensemble as she snuggled lovingly into seven-year-old Rafferty.
Martine wrote, “When Rafferty met Santa Claus… Well someone was VERY shocked and happy to meet the great man in person!”
“Rafferty thought we were just stopping by to get a few little things and it turned out to be a wonderful celebratory surprise! Rafferty had a good old chat with Santa explaining that the decorators are over at our house right now painting etc.”
Can not believe it! Taking to Instagram, the former EastEnders actress, 46, revealed the youngster was shocked after thinking they were “popping out to get some little things”.
“So there’s a giant mirror on his bed and that’s why he can’t sleep in his room right now, but DON’T worry as they’ll be gone in time for Christmas for Santa to leave a sack or a stocking or something in there at the end of his.” Bettes (hint, hint) I was wondering where it leads!’
She continued, “And he also said we’ll keep the chimney clean and leave mince pies, carrots for the reindeer, and milk or whiskey!”
“We looked at a beautiful nativity scene with a nativity scene and we also saw where all the letters to Santa belong and it was heartwarming to see Rafferty’s little face light up. He was so grateful and it melted me.
At home: She later took to her Instagram Stories as she and Rafferty relaxed on their lusciously decorated locks
Before adding: “Everyone was so sweet and watching the kids with their excitement – and their parents feeding on it was so beautiful to see. Love really was everywhere.
She later took to her Instagram Stories as she and Rafferty relaxed by their lavishly decorated tree.
The boy wore reindeer ears and appeared to be hopping on a space popper, while Martine wrote: “My little reindeer is getting so excited now”.
Celebration spirit: Martine wrote: “When Rafferty met Santa… Well someone was VERY shocked and happy to meet the great man in person!”
It comes after Martine revealed Love Actually saved her from a burnt out period that left her feeling “exhausted and unwell”.
The actress had been working continuously for several years due to her role in EastEnders, which led to the decision to leave show business before landing the Christmas role.
During a new interview with The Mirror, she explained that she made the decision to leave the business and would come back if she was signed for a major role.
Big break: It comes after Martine revealed love actually saved her from a burnt out period that left her feeling ‘exhausted and unwell’ (pictured in the film)
The star had played Tiffany Mitchell at EastEnders between the ages of 17 and 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 was struggling with exhaustion and feeling uncomfortable.
Martine continued that she decided not to continue, sharing: “I was only 23 and living on my own – it was scary.
Too much: The star had played Tiffany Mitchell in EastEnders from the ages of 17 to 23 and was feeling 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 quit the industry. I remember thinking, ‘If I’m going to stick with it, then’ I’m going to get a big sign.
Martine took some time off, explaining that she went to visit a friend in Spain and “slept for three days straight”.
But it wasn’t long before director Richard Curtis called and just a week later offered the actress the role opposite Hugh Grant in Love Actually.
Leaving: Martine explained that she made the decision to leave the business and would come back if she was signed for a major role