Martine McCutcheon says Love Actually ‘wasn’t about ticking too many boxes’ as she defends its non- ‘PC’ moments

Martine McCutcheon has defended Love Actually for not being politically correct, after director Richard Curtis criticised his own film in the recent 20th anniversary reunion special.

The actress, 46, from Hackney, starred in the film as the Prime minister’s love interest Natalie, who is described as chubby with thick thighs.

In recent years, viewers have blasted the film’s lack of diversity and that Martine’s body shape was fat shamed.

“I think, honestly, it was 20 years ago, and the world has changed a lot but I also think that part of the charm of the film was the fact that some of the love stories and the characters weren’t perfect,” Martine told MailOnline.

”For me, part of the reason that I love the film is because it was so honest and it wasn’t about ticking too many boxes and being PC”.

The film has become a must-watch since its release in 2003. It follows the complicated  lives and relationships of eight couples in the lead up to Christmas.

Martine continued: “Obviously if it was done now I have no doubt that they might do it differently but I still absolutely love the film and the charm of it and it’s message that ultimately love can be complicated and messy and not perfect”

“I think that’s why people still seem to come back to it all the time all these years later.”

The Laughter and Secrets of Love Actually: 20 Years Later reunion recently debuted, with ABC presenter Diane Sawyer as host. The hour-long special features interviews with director and writer Richard Curtis, as well as members from the cast including Emma Thompson and Hugh Grant.

Speaking to Diane, Richard admitted that there are some parts of the film that he would change. He claimed the lack of diversity makes him feel “uncomfortable” and “a bit stupid”.

Fans of the film have taken to Twitter to give their critiques as it resurfaces for another festive period.

One wrote: “Love actually is crazy because why were they calling Martine Mccutcheon chubby?”

Another commented: “Every year it winds me up that on Love Actually they say "the chubby girl" about Natalie SHE'S NORMAL SIZED #LoveActually”

A third added: “On reflection I really hate the Natalie chubby storyline the whole way through #LoveActually - because, I think we can all categorically say she isn’t even close to being chubby. It’s quite problematic.”