Tamzin Outhwaite: Biography, Family, Daughters, Net Worth, Age & Life Story

When you talk about British television icons, especially from the golden era of the late ’90s and 2000s, the name Tamzin Outhwaite always comes up. She is more than an actress — she is a cultural standout, a household presence, and a woman who has constantly evolved in both her personal and professional life. Whether it’s her unforgettable EastEnders run as Mel Owen or her recent openness about motherhood and life changes, Tamzin continues to remain relevant and admired across generations.

This detailed profile explores who Tamzin Outhwaite is, her journey in showbiz, her family life, her daughters, recent updates on her career and personal life, her net worth, and everything worth knowing about her.

Who Is Tamzin Outhwaite?

Tamzin Maria Outhwaite is a renowned English actress, television personality, and stage performer. Born on November 5, 1970, she has spent more than three decades in the entertainment industry. She first gained national fame through her role as Melanie “Mel” Owen in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, a character that instantly became one of the show’s most iconic figures.

Beyond EastEnders, Tamzin has built a solid acting legacy across film, theatre, and TV dramas, making her one of the UK’s most versatile and respected actresses. She has taken roles in projects such as New Tricks, Red Cap, Hotel Babylon, multiple stage productions, and television hosting work.

Tamzin is known for her warmth, authenticity, and candid nature — qualities that shine through both on-screen and in her interviews.

Tamzin Outhwaite Age and Birthday

• Age: 54 years old (as of 2025)

• Birthday: November 5, 1970

• Zodiac: Scorpio

Her energy and presence still command attention, and she continues to take on roles that show her range beyond the soap era.

Early Life & Background

Tamzin was born and raised in Ilford, East London, in a close-knit family. Her father, Colin Frank Outhwaite, worked for a leading firm, while her mother, Anna, provided a strong family foundation. She has two brothers — Kes Outhwaite and Jake Outhwaite.

What makes her heritage more interesting is her Italian roots. Her mother’s side of the family traces back to Barga, Italy, giving Tamzin a blend of British and Mediterranean cultural influence.

From a young age, Tamzin was drawn to performing arts. She trained at the Sylvia Young Theatre School part-time and later at the London Studio Centre, where she sharpened her skills in dance, drama, and theatre performance. This strong foundation later helped her transition smoothly between screen acting and stage acting.

Career Rise: The EastEnders Breakthrough

Before EastEnders, she appeared in smaller roles and theatre plays, but her life changed in 1998 when she joined EastEnders as Mel Owen. Her character was sharp, bold, emotionally layered, and instantly loved by the audience. Mel became one of the show’s central figures, involved in storylines that fans still discuss today.

She stayed until 2002, took on various other roles, and later made a dramatic comeback to the show in 2018, which reignited nostalgia among long-time viewers. Her departure in 2019, through a memorable exit storyline, was one of the most talked-about episodes of that year.

Beyond EastEnders: More Than a Soap Star

Tamzin has built a diverse career. Some of her most notable work includes:

1. Red Cap (2003–2004)

She played Sergeant Jo McDonagh in this military police drama, earning critical praise.

2. New Tricks (2013–2015)

She starred in the long-running BBC crime drama, showing her ability to shine beyond soap operas.

3. Hotel Babylon (2006–2009)

As Rebecca Mitchell, Tamzin demonstrated her charm in a glamorous, high-energy role.

4. Theatre Career

Some of her well-known performances include:

• Sweet Charity

• Grease

• 7 Deadly Sins

• Oliver!

• Boeing Boeing

Tamzin’s dance background and stage training make her an exceptional live performer.

Tamzin Outhwaite Now (2024–2025)

In recent years, Tamzin has remained active both professionally and personally:

1. Continues Working in Television

She regularly appears in dramas, interviews, and special TV projects.

2. Public Advocate for Parenthood Topics

After revealing that her eldest child is transgender, Tamzin has openly supported LGBTQ+ acceptance and shared her own emotional learning process.

3. Living a Balanced Life

She has embraced a calm, grounded lifestyle after years of intense spotlight. She focuses on family, well-being, and selective acting roles.

4. Navigating Single Life

Tamzin had a long-term relationship with Tom Child, who was 20 years younger. They later split, and she has spoken positively about enjoying independence and growth.

5. Active in Theatre and Charity

She is an ambassador for Park Theatre in London and often participates in charity-driven community programs.

Tamzin Outhwaite Height

Tamzin stands at an impressive:

• Height: 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)

Her tall and elegant figure has been part of her commanding stage and screen presence.

Tamzin Outhwaite Family

Tamzin’s family life has always been a priority for her. She comes from a loving and supportive household with strong relationships with her brothers and mother.

As a mother, she is deeply devoted to her two daughters. She often speaks about balancing the demands of motherhood with a career in entertainment, showing an honest and refreshing perspective on modern parenting.

Her extended family ties include connections with notable entertainment families, including associations through her ex-husband’s career.

Tamzin Outhwaite Daughters

Tamzin has two daughters with her former husband, actor Tom Ellis:

1. Florence “Flo” Elsie Ellis

• Eldest child

• Recently came out as transgender, a deeply significant family moment that Tamzin addressed publicly with love and honesty.

2. Marnie Mae Ellis

• Younger daughter

• Often seen on family outings and social media posts shared by Tamzin.

Tamzin has been praised for putting her daughters’ emotional well-being first, maintaining a healthy co-parenting dynamic, and raising them with openness and support.

Her Relationship with Tom Ellis

Tamzin was married to Tom Ellis (best known for Lucifer) from 2006 to 2014. Their divorce was widely reported at the time, but as of recent years, they seem to be maintaining a peaceful co-parenting relationship focused on their daughters.

While both have moved on with new lives, respect appears to remain between them for the sake of family harmony.

Tamzin Outhwaite Net Worth

Tamzin has built an impressive career spanning more than 30 years. Her net worth reflects decades of acting, theatre work, television appearances, endorsements, and projects.

Estimated Net Worth (2025):

• $4.5 million – $8 million USD

• (Some UK sources estimate £5–10 million)

Her income primarily comes from:

• Television roles

• Theatre work

• Film appearances

• Presenting & guest appearances

• Media engagements

Tamzin remains financially independent and selective about the jobs she takes — a privilege earned through years of consistent professional success.

Public Image & Legacy

Tamzin Outhwaite has a rare ability to remain a beloved figure across multiple generations. Whether people remember her as a soap star, drama actress, theatre performer, mother, or advocate, she continues to hold a positive public reputation.

Her honesty on topics like:

• Co-parenting

• Raising a transgender child

• Dating later in life

• Ageing

• Work-life balance

…has made her increasingly relatable and respected.

She represents the modern British woman — strong, stylish, open-minded, resilient, and ever-evolving.

Final Thoughts

Tamzin Outhwaite’s life story is a blend of talent, reinvention, personal growth, and grounded values. From her iconic EastEnders performances to her recent journey through motherhood and advocacy, she stands as an inspiring example of how to grow gracefully in the public eye.

Whether you admire her acting, her candor, or her strength, one thing is clear — Tamzin Outhwaite remains one of the UK’s most enduring and admired personalities.

Article by Megacine – bringing deep-dives, celebrity profiles, and entertainment insights with clarity and detail.