Former EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite has made a remarkably candid confession about her love life, describing the pursuit of romantic fulfilment as "dangerous" and vowing she "won't do it again." The 55-year-old star, who shot to fame playing Mel Owen in the BBC soap, has been reflecting on her experiences following the end of her six-and-a-half-year relationship with much younger boyfriend Tom Child.
A Shift in Priorities
Speaking openly on HELLO!'s Second Act podcast last September, Outhwaite revealed a significant personal transformation. She explained that at this stage in her life, she would rather remain single than be in what society might consider a happy relationship. "It took me a long time in life to start having a love affair with myself instead of another man," she shared, highlighting a journey towards greater self-acceptance and independence.
Learning from Past Relationships
The actress, who is a mother of two teenage children from her previous marriage to Welsh actor Tom Ellis, split amicably from Tom Child, who was twenty years her junior. Despite the age gap, they have maintained a positive connection, with Child remaining part of Outhwaite's family life. Her marriage to Ellis, who has since built a successful career in America with roles including the lead in Lucifer, ended before she began her relationship with Child.
Reflecting on the societal pressure to be coupled, Outhwaite offered a powerful insight: "The constant search to find someone to complete you is dangerous… I won't do it again. There is so much discovery of yourself you can do." This statement underscores her current focus on personal growth over romantic entanglement.
Dating Preferences and Self-Perception
Interestingly, Outhwaite admitted she hasn't typically dated men her own age or older. "I feel like I'm 30, and I'll look at someone who is 40 and think, 'that's about right!' before realising they're much younger than me," she confessed, revealing a youthful self-image that contrasts with her chronological age.
When discussing men in their fifties, she joked, "There are men in their 50s who really look after themselves, but I just haven't met them yet." This light-hearted remark adds a touch of humour to her serious reflections on modern dating dynamics.
Career Success and Personal Challenges
Beyond her personal life, Outhwaite continues to enjoy a thriving acting career. Since her iconic role on EastEnders from 1998 to 2002 and again from 2018 to 2019, she has appeared in numerous television dramas including:
- The Wives
- Death In Paradise
- The Tower
- Silent Witness
In 2022, she demonstrated her adventurous spirit by participating in the BBC reality series Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof, where she confronted her fear of cold-water immersion. Fans can next see her on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh on ITV, where she will likely discuss both her professional projects and personal philosophy.
Outhwaite's frank discussion represents a broader cultural conversation about relationships, self-worth, and the pressures faced by women in the public eye. Her journey from seeking completion in others to finding fulfilment within herself offers a compelling narrative about maturity and self-discovery in midlife.
