Tamzin Outhwaite ‘not asked back to EastEnders’

Tamzin Outhwaite has revealed that EastEnders bosses haven’t pursued her over a return to the show.

During an appearance on This Morning, Outhwaite stated that she has never been asked to reprise her role of Mel Healy in the soap, despite a number of reports over the years claiming that she has turned down offers.

The actress added that she wouldn’t consider it a ‘failure’ if she were to return at some point in the future.

“I’ve never been approached. Would I go back? I don’t know. I wouldn’t see it as a failure to go back – it’s a great show and it was a great character. I just think it’s not necessarily right now. But you know, I loved it! I’ve just never been asked and I think people always think that I’m turning them down; and I’m not!” – Tamzin Outhwaite

Outhwaite played the role of Mel for four years between 1998 and 2002 during which time her character was briefly married to Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt) and later to Steve Owen (Martin Kemp) until the night-club owner’s untimely demise whilst trying to flee Albert Square.

After bowing out of EastEnders the actress went on to have leading roles in dramas such as Red Cap, Vital Signs, Hotel Babylon, The Fixer and Paradox.