Tamzin Outhwaite reprises Mel Owen role in EastEnders

Tamzin Outhwaite is reprising her role as Melanie Owen in EastEnders.

“Classy, sassy and fierce, Mel Owen’s return to Walford is bound to turn a few heads as well tear open old wounds. But with so much history in Albert Square, just why is Mel coming back?” – BBC

The character was last seen fleeing Walford in April 2002 when after the death of her husband Steve (Martin Kemp), it emerged that he had been forging her signature; implicating her in his dodgy dealings. Mel fled the country to avoid a lengthy spell in the clink, losing Phil (Steve McFadden) the small matter of her £30,000 bail money in the process…

“When I got the call from John (Yorke) asking if I would consider coming back to EastEnders, it was something I just couldn’t refuse. John created Mel’s most memorable storylines so it is an honour that 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 Mel’s shoes nearly twenty years after I first started feels just perfect.” – Tamzin Outhwaite

Mel was involved in some of the soap’s biggest storylines including being emotionally-blackmailed down the aisle by Ian Beale (Adam Woodyatt); walking out on Ian after finding out he’d lied about his daughter Lucy having cancer; her love affair and marriage to Steve and the Dallas inspired ‘Who Shot Phil’.

“Tamzin is one of EastEnders’ biggest stars, so it’s particularly exciting to welcome her back to Walford for an incredible storyline – one that will awaken a lot of old ghosts, some great memories, and a whole new series of adventures too. We’re thrilled and flattered to have Tamzin back and we can’t wait to reveal just where she’s been, and just who Melanie Owen is now”. – John Yorke

Tamzin will begin filming with EastEnders in the next few weeks for an on screen reintroduction early next year, the beeb say. She originally played the role of shopgirl-turned-businesswoman Mel between 1998-2002. For a time, Mel was joined in Walford by her father Jeff (Leslie Schofield) and brother Alex (Richard Driscoll).

Tamzin has appeared in many TV, film and theatre productions in the years since she was last at BBC Elstree including Out of Control, Red Cap, New Tricks and Sweet Charity. Below a pictorial look back at EastEnders‘ Mel.