Tamzin Outhwaite is to leave ‘EastEnders’.
The 48-year-old actress – who reprised her role as Mel Owen in 2017 – will leave Walford in the autumn to "pursue other challenges", and admitted she only planned for her latest stint to be 12 months.
She said: "When John [Yorke] asked me to return to ‘EastEnders’ back in 2017, I jumped at the chance to play Mel once more but it was only supposed to be for a year.
"That year quickly passed and I agreed to stay on for another, but now the time feels right to once again pursue other challenges.
"I will of course miss so many people here at ‘EastEnders’, and I will forever have good memories of my time at the show, but I am also excited to experience new roles outside of Walford."
The soap’s executive producer Jon Sen praised Tamzin for some "wonderful performances", and wished her well for the future.
He said: "We are extremely grateful to Tamzin for reviving the character of Mel Owen back in 2017, allowing ‘EastEnders’ fans the chance to see one of Walford’s most popular characters take centre stage once more.
"Tamzin is an incredible talent who has set our screens on fire with her wonderful performances in some of our most iconic storylines.
"We wish her the best of luck for the future."
Tamzin initially played Mel from 1998 to 2002, and she returned to the soap in 2018, 16 years after she bowed out of Walford.
Mel has been involved in some big storylines, such as being one of Ian Beale’s (Adam Woodyatt) many wives. Ian tried to pursue her on her return to Walford, but didn’t have any luck.
Tamzin Outhwaite leaving EastEnders
