Tamzin Outhwaite

Tamzin Maria Outhwaite (born 5 November 1970) is an English actress, presenter, and narrator. Best known for her role as Mel Owen in the BBC soap opera EastEnders, Outhwaite has also appeared in various theatre and television productions. She starred in the army series Red Cap and the crime drama New Tricks. Born in Ilford, Essex, Outhwaite is the daughter of Anna and Colin Frank Outhwaite. She attended Trinity Catholic High School and studied part-time at Sylvia Young Theatre School. Outhwaite began her career as a teenager at the Stagestruck Theatre Company. She is of Italian heritage, with her maternal great grandfather and his son being naturalized British citizens.