EastEnders Star Tamzin Outhwaite Reveals How Iconic Soap Sound Still Triggers Her
Former EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite has candidly opened up about how the BBC soap's legendary 'doof-doof' sound continues to trigger powerful emotional memories from her time on the show. The 55-year-old star, best known for her portrayal of Melanie "Mel" Owen, made the revealing confession during a recent television appearance.
The 'Doof-Doof' Sound That Still Resonates
During an appearance on Saturday's episode of Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, Outhwaite was joined by fellow guest, singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti. When Savoretti mentioned his childhood fondness for the show and how the iconic drum beats reminded him of his youth, Outhwaite seized the moment to share her own visceral reaction to the sound.
"It triggers me when I hear it," Outhwaite confessed. "But it's more that the storylines and everything... The amount that you go through in a very short period of time as a character, you know, you're sliding down walls, crying and so I think when I hear that that kind of takes me back to a time where I was probably crying."
The actress, who first joined EastEnders in 1998 and returned for another stint from 2018 to 2019, explained that the 'doof-doof' sound - synonymous with the show's most dramatic moments - immediately transports her back to the intense emotional scenes she filmed during her time in Albert Square.
From Soap Drama to Stage Success
While reflecting on her soap past, Outhwaite is simultaneously preparing for a major new theatrical role. The actress has recently secured the starring part in a fresh touring production of the quintessentially British classic, Abigail's Party.
She'll be portraying Beverly, described as "one of the most iconic characters in British theatre" - a role originally brought to life by Alison Steadman in Mike Leigh's celebrated play. The Stratford East production begins its tour in June at Malvern Theatres before travelling to multiple venues including Bath, Brighton, Leicester, London and Cambridge.
Set in 1977 Essex, Abigail's Party follows Beverly as she hosts a neighbourhood gathering that gradually descends into tension and discomfort. The production promises "awkward small talk quickly descending into inappropriate flirtation and marital disputes" - creating what the synopsis describes as "a soiree from hell."
A Lasting Connection to EastEnders
Despite moving on to new theatrical challenges, Outhwaite maintains a connection to her EastEnders past that continues to surface unexpectedly. She revealed that one friend in particular enjoys reminding her of her soap roots.
"I do have a very good friend that every time I speak, he pulls out his phone and plays the 'doof-doof'," she shared. "It never gets old and everyone still laughs."
During her time on EastEnders, Outhwaite's character Mel Owen was involved in numerous high-profile storylines, including her marriage to Steve Owen and her dramatic exit in 2019. These intense narratives, often accompanied by the show's signature dramatic sound, have left a lasting impression that continues to resonate with the actress years after her departure from Walford.
EastEnders continues to air on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, maintaining the tradition of dramatic storytelling that Outhwaite remembers so vividly - complete with those iconic 'doof-doof' moments that still trigger emotional memories for former cast members.
