“An EastEnders actor has shared openly about a scene on the show that evokes strong emotional memories.”
Former EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite has opened up about the one thing that still leaves her feeling “triggered” since leaving the soap.
The 55-year-old actress is best known for playing Melanie “Mel” Owen on the BBC’s flagship drama. She first appeared on Albert Square from 1998 to 2002 before returning for a brief stint between 2018 and 2019.
As a central character, she was involved in major storylines, including her marriage to Steve Owen and her dramatic exit in 2019.
Tamzin appeared on Saturday’s (February 1) edition of Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, joining fellow guest, singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti. The conversation quickly turned to her time on the show.
Jack admitted he’s a devoted fan, saying the iconic “doof-doof” sound of EastEnders brings back memories of his youth, according to OK!.
The BBC drama wouldn’t be complete without its iconic “doof-doofs” — those drumbeats that signal drama, devastation, and some of the show’s most unforgettable cliffhangers.
Tamzin took the opportunity to reveal how the “doof-doof” still impacts her today, saying it instantly transports her back to her most intense storylines.
She admitted: “It triggers me when I hear it, but it’s more about the storylines and everything… The sheer amount you go through in a short time as a character — sliding down walls, crying — so when I hear it, it takes me back to a time when I was probably in tears.”
She added: “I have a very good friend who, every time we speak, pulls out his phone and plays the ‘doof-doof.’ It never gets old, and everyone still laughs.”
Tamzin has recently landed the leading role in a much-loved British stage production. She is set to star in a new touring version of Abigail’s Party.
The actress will take on the role of Beverly, described as “one of the most iconic characters in British theatre” — a part originally played by Gavin & Stacey star Alison Steadman in Mike Leigh’s celebrated play.
The Stratford East production begins its tour in June at Malvern Theatres, before visiting Bath, Fareham, Brighton, Leicester, London, and Cambridge.
Set in 1977 Essex, Abigail’s Party follows Beverly as she entertains her neighbours, with the evening gradually becoming more tense and fraught as events unfold.
The story begins with “the drinks are flowing, Demis Roussos is spinning on the record player, and the cheese-and-pineapple cocktail sticks are ready.”
“Beverly, queen of her suburban semi, and her husband Laurence welcome new neighbours Angela and Tony for drinks,” the synopsis continues. “Sue from next door is also invited, but the real chaos is happening at her place, as Sue’s teenage daughter Abigail can’t keep the noise down. Awkward small talk quickly gives way to inappropriate flirting and marital tensions — a nightmarish soiree, but leaving would be considered rude…”
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