Martine McCutcheon has thanked fans for their support after the sudden death of her brother, saying the messages "mean the world" to her.
The former EastEnders star shared on Instagram this week that her beloved younger brother LJ had passed away at the age of 31 and that there was "no medical explanation".
She was inundated with condolences after sharing her sad news, and responded on her Instagram Story: "Thank you for your amazing messages of love and support regarding the loss of my brother LJ.
READ MORE: Martine McCutcheon heartbroken as younger brother dies aged 31 weeks before his wedding
"They mean the world to me and my family."
Martine, 46, went on: "Due to my job, I also have to bear in the mind the press interest and I naturally want to protect my family at this time.
"I wanted to share a true and fitting tribute to LJ's life before anything was written or speculated in the press. However LJ has a whole family grieving and whilst I had to address it, we do also need time to grieve and heal.
"We kindly request privacy and support from the press and have no further comment.
"Thank you so much."
The actress announced the death of her brother on Tuesday (October 11), telling her followers on Instagram that her heart was "forever broken".
"My baby brother, my gentle giant, sadly passed away, suddenly, two weeks ago," she wrote.
"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."
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The star said LJ (Laurence John) – who she called "such a character" – had been due to get married next month and that she was going to be a bridesmaid.
"I'm scared to live without you LJ but I know you will want us to truly live, laugh and love in your memory," she said in her moving post.
"I will try I promise."
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