EastEnders icon Tamzin Outhwaite, 53, embraces single life after end of six-year romance with toyboy, 33

Tamzin Outhwaite has opened up about her split from toyboy Tom Child who was 20 years her junior and says she's happy being single for the first time in her life.

Recognised as "Glamzin" by her social media followers, Tamzin Outhwaite has truly embraced this persona.

Taking on the role of flirtatious and liberated Sylvie in the Channel 5 drama The Wives, the EastEnders icon admits that she finds more parallels with her character now than when she initially took on the part.

Recently single at 53-years-old after ending a six-year relationship with toyboy Tom Child, 33, earlier this summer, Outhwaite discloses for the first time that she is content with her newfound solo status. Mirroring her character Sylvie, she "really likes" the freedom of being unattached.

Speaking to the Mirror, Tamzin shared: "There has been no acrimonious ending; we've moved on to a friend zone. We are still really great mates, which is nice."

Tamzin's path crossed with Tom's at a yoga class in 2017, marking her first significant romantic endeavour since her challenging divorce from actor Tom Ellis in 2014. Ellis, known for his roles in 'Lucifer' and 'Miranda', fathered her two daughters Flo, 16, and Marnie, aged 12.

The 45-year-old now resides in America with his new wife Meaghan and daughter Dolly, following the scandal that erupted due to his affair with Emile De Ravin during their joint project, the US show 'Once Upon a Time'.

Her fresh-faced beau Tom had previously been lauded for helping her heal from past heartaches, and the pair had gone as far as moving in together. Tamzin was still linked with him when she shot The Wives in Malta back in April but in recent developments this month, she has suggested a potential parting of ways, expressing her contentment without the "commitment of another human being".

Tamzin is not seeking sympathy over her situation. She confided to the publication that standing single once again feels refreshingly different at this stage in her life.

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She candidly shared: "Maybe before now, I've been single but not happy. But I'm quite happy. And being single and happy is a really lovely place to be. And that can only happen with life experience."

This newfound strength contrasts sharply with her pain following a previous separation. In the previous year, Tamzin issued a poignant statement commemorating "10 years since the father of my kids walked out on us for the final time" revealing that the wound was yet to fully heal.

With cautious optimism, she acknowledged the anniversary with "pride, a feeling of triumph and genuine gratitude". Her sense of self-reliance rings even clearer with the words: "For anyone struggling, the most important relationship you will ever have is with yourself."

Regarding her most recent split, Tamzin emphasises her enhanced ease with solitude, something she wouldn't have claimed in her youth. Reflecting, she said: "There is a lot said about people not wanting to be on their own as they get older. I really like being on my own. Especially now, at this age, I really like my own company."

Identifying with her role in the Channel 5 mystery drama, she remarks: "Sylvie's only been freshly divorced. Deep down, she's probably got some pain that she needs to deal with. I'm not like her in that way. I feel pretty clear and happy I'm at a place where I've come through the other end. Life feels really good."

The six-part series, wrapping up over three nights this week, also provided plenty of 'girl-power' moments with friends Angela Griffin and Jo Joyner, who portray Sylvie's former sisters-in-law, Natasha and Beth.

Tamzin Outhwaite enthuses: "When the show makers told me they were considering offering the part of Natasha to Angela Griffin, I was just so excited because she is one of my best mates and I thought this was going to be brilliant."

"And when they mentioned Jo, I thought, 'This doesn't get any better' as I've known Jo for years."

Outhwaite reveals her previous interaction with Jo came in 2018 while revisiting their EastEnders characters: "We both had a relationship with Max Branning! That was the closest we got to working together [so] to do The Wives was an absolute dream."

Engulfed in the filming process, the trio found solace in each others company whenever "mum guilt" crept in due to being away from home. Their shared experiences added a layer of camaraderie on set, with Jo Joyner and her husband raising twins, Freddie and Edie, aged 15, while Angela Griffin, alongside Jason Milligan, has two daughters, Tallulah, 20, and Melissa, 18.

Tamzin revealed: "To be surrounded by what felt like family when you were so far from your own family was so important. After a day's filming, we'd all eat together or go back to one of the apartments to cook. We had a heavily female set.

"It was an all-female team of producers. That really does help with the understanding of family commitments or what it means to miss school events. I did manage to be with my eldest for their GCSE mocks and exams, but the mum guilt doesn't stop."

For Tamzin, being part of a predominantly female cast mirrors the importance of friendships in her life. Her social media, known as Glamzin, often features images of her with close pals such as Holly Willoughby, Amanda Holden, and Lisa Faulkner.

Commenting on this, she says, "I like my own company but I also have great groups of mates". Highlighting the value of friendship circles, especially for women, she adds: "Friendship groups are really important for a lot of women. Getting strong roles for women is a rarity at this age.

"I think the majority of people that watch TV are women of a certain age and a lot of those don't see themselves reflected on TV."

Tamzin plays the vivacious Sylvie, who she compares to Sex And The City's iconic Samantha Jones, enjoying liaisons with younger men she meets online. On whether she would consider using dating apps herself, Tamzin admits: "I've never tried it and I wouldn't know how to go about it,".

Hailing from Ilford, Essex, Tamzin Outhwaite became a household name as Mel Healey in EastEnders, exiting the show in 2002. She went on to star in series such as Red Cap, Hotel Babylon, and The Fixer.

Taking over from Amanda Redman, she featured in the BBC drama New Tricks between 2013 and 2015. More recently, she's been seen in the latest adaptation of Great Expectations.

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This year, Tamzin seized the opportunity to portray Beverley in the Mike Leigh-directed play Abigail's Party. Her performance has garnered acclaim from theatre enthusiasts, with the production running at Theatre Royal Stratford East until October 12.

Reflecting on her current success, she shared: "I'm in a bit of a 'pinch me' career time."

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