Martine McCutcheon declared bankrupt

The New Year got off to a bad start for former EastEnder’s star Martine McCutcheon who was declared bankrupt on January 2nd.

It coincides with the star being bumped from Activia yoghurt adverts and replaced by fashion personality Gok Wan.

The celebrity first entered the public consciousness under the guise of Tiffany Mitchell on popular soap EastEnders and later went on to star in Love Actually as Hugh Grant’s love interest.

McCutcheon also had success as a singer, notably with chart-topping single Perfect Moment.

The singer petitioned for bankruptcy at Kingston-upon-Thames County Court under her real name of Martine Kimberley Sherri Ponting.

Money troubles have lead to a host of famous declared bankrupts including Kerry Katona, Miquita Oliver, Sharon Stone and Mike Tyson.

Ed Thomas, partner at accountancy firm Mazars, told Credit Today, which first reported the story: “Without knowing the background to this matter, one should not point the finger, but generally we are seeing several celebrities failing in their obligation to ensure that their financial affairs are dealt with properly.

“Ultimately it has to be the responsibility of the individual to make sure their financial affairs are up to date, particularly their income tax affairs.”