ALMOST three years have passed since Mel Owen was given a dramatic death on BBC One.
But while EastEnders viewers mourned for the character, actress Tamzin Outhwaite admitted she was glad her stint was over.
The former soap star spoke to Inside Soap about her time in Walford.
As viewers may remember, Mel was an Albert Square regular since 1998.
In the 51-year-old’s eyes, Mel’s death is a symbol of a job well done and necessary closure.
“At first I was sad that Mel died”, Tamzin said, “and now I am pleased because it means the door is closed and it’s done.”
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But before EastEnders fans believe the actress had any aversion for her character, Tamzin made it clear that she was actually “very fond” of her alter ego.
She added: “part of the excitement of being an actor is the uncertainty and not knowing what the next job is.”
“I was very fond of the character. But to know you can’t go back is nice in a way.”
Tamzin’s first stint in the London-based drama lasted four years, from 1998 to 2002.
Upon her arrival in the show, it was clear that Mel had a troubled past with bankruptcy and estrangement from her family which led to her traveling around the Greek Islands.
Her character then left the fictional borough of Walford for a new life in Portugal.
She then returned in 2018 before being killed off in November, 2019.
Mel died instantly after being hit by a lorry, amid a feud with fellow blonde bombshell, Sharon Watts (played by Letitia Dean).
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Prior to this, the EastEnders royalty had saved Mel’s life following a car crash.
Tamzin only keeps “fond memories” of her time in EastEnders.
“I have fond memories of both times on EastEnders. I loved working with Lucy Benjamin, Martin Kemp, Scott Maslen, Letitia Dean… we had such a wonderful time”, she told Inside Soap.
“I was learning my trade in front of millions.”
“I’d done a lot of theatre but hitting your marks and knowing the technical side of filming, I learned there.”
Since leaving EastEnders, Tamzin appeared in a number of films including The Haunting of Alice Bowles and Bull.
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She was also seen on the small screen in shows like Ridley Road, Death in Paradise and We Hunt Together.
Meanwhile, EastEnders continues to air from Monday to Thursday on BBC One.
