Martine McCutcheon, famous for her roles in EastEnders and Love Actually, has bravely admitted that she fears she became a mum too later in life.
The star, 42, who has opened up about her battle with ME - otherwise known as chronic fatigue syndrome - in the past, voiced her concerns on Loose Women.
Speaking with fellow panelists Linda Robson, Ruth Langsford and Janet Street Porter, Martine said:
"I get scared that because I had Rafferty late - because I'm 42 - I get scared about not being around very long for him.
"I'm worried that he'll have to plan [things like care homes and his mother's wellbeing] for me.
"I kind of don't want to face it."
Her worries relate back to her battle with ME, with Martine opening up about the condition in depth earlier this year
She said: "You're pushed to your limits too much.
"You feel like you're really hungover, like you've been beaten up by Mike Tyson. I was getting lots of infections and my immune system was down.”
The topic of aging came into conversation during a segment titled 'Do you worry who'll look after you when you're old?' and the panel all had strong views.
Janet shocked viewers when she said she would rather 'have a plastic bag over her head' than be sent into a care home and guest Toyah Wilcox spoke about caring for her dying parents.
WHAT IS ME / CFS?
According to The ME Association, Martine is not alone; some 250,000 people in Britain are affected by this illness.
They explain: “All types of people at all ages are affected. Severe and debilitating fatigue, painful muscles and joints, disordered sleep, gastric disturbances, poor memory and concentration are commonplace.
“In many cases, onset is linked to a viral infection. Other triggers may include an operation or an accident, although some people experience a slow, insidious onset.”
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ME / CFS?
The symptoms of ME / CFS vary from person to person, although they can include:
IS THERE A CURE FOR ME / CFS?
There is currently no recognised cure and no universally effective treatment for ME; however an early diagnosis, as well as adequate rest, does bring about significant improvement.
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