Fans were delighted to learn that Tamzin Outhwaite was set to return to the set of EastEnders – but the actress has revealed they really owe their thanks to her two kids.
Tamzin left the show in 2002, claiming she felt her character, Mel Owen, had come to a natural end, after her dramatic four years.
Producers had said in the past that they would always be open to reintroducing the character, and it was announced last week that Mel would be back on screens in 2018.
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The actress opened up to The Sun about the decision to return, claiming that it was her daughters, Florence and Marnie, that persuaded her to return to Albert Square.
Tamzin said the deciding factor for taking a job is whether it will allow her to spend her evenings at home with her kids.
“When I ask my kids’ advice – my eldest especially – I say: ‘I have got this job and I don’t know if I should do it?,'” she said. “Her words are always: ‘Can you come home at night?'”
“She basically doesn’t really ask what it’s about and if I can come home at night then she says: ‘I think you should do it.’ I was doing a lot of theatre before.”
While she didn’t take the decision to return lightly, Tamzin said she’s happy to be coming back.
“When I got the call from John Yorke, the show’s creative director, I just couldn’t refuse. John created Mel’s most memorable storylines so it is an honour he has asked me to return.
“‘EastEnders is in my DNA and I always knew deep down that someday I would revisit Mel – she is a strong, independent woman with lots more stories to tell.
“To be stepping back into the character’s shoes nearly 20 years after I first stated feels perfect.”
Fans last saw Mel headed for Portugal after having been implicated in her husband’s drug dealing. Over the course of her time on the show, Mel dealt with kidnap, arson, two marriages and a smattering of affairs, and show bosses have assured fans there’s plenty more drama ahead.
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Creative director John Yorke confirmed that things will be heating up for Mel as soon as she’s back in the square.
“It’s particularly exciting to welcome her back to Walford for an incredible storyline,” he said. “One that will awaken a lot of old ghosts, some great memories, and whole new series of adventures.
“We’re thrilled and flattered to have Tamzin home and can’t wait to reveal where she’s been, and who Melanie Owen is now.”