Tamzin Outhwaite agreed to return to 'EastEnders' so that she could put her kids to bed.
Tamzin Outhwaite
Fans of the long-running soap were ecstatic last week when the 46-year-old actress confirmed that she had reprised her role as feisty Mel Owen following 15 years away from Walford, but she has admitted it was actually her daughters - Florence, nine, and Marnie, five, whom she has with her ex-husband Tom Ellis - who convinced her to go back.
Speaking to The Sun newspaper, she said: "When I ask my kids' advice - my eldest especially - I say: 'I have got this job and I don't know if I should do it?' Her words are always: 'Can you come home at night?'
"She basically doesn't really ask what it's about and if I can come home at night then she says: 'I think you should do it.' I was doing a lot of theatre before."
And, although it was ultimately her daughters who swayed her decision, the blonde beauty feels "honoured" to be returning to Albert Square next year and can't wait to get started.
She said: "When I got the call from John Yorke, the show's creative director, I just couldn't refuse. John created Mel's most memorable storylines so it is an honour he has asked me to return. 'EastEnders' is in my DNA and I always knew deep down that someday I would revisit Mel - she is a strong, independent woman with lots more stories to tell. To be stepping back into the character's shoes nearly 20 years after I first stated feels perfect."
While 'EastEnders' bosses are remaining tight-lipped about Mel's returning plot, creative director John teased fans they can expect an "incredible storyline".
He said: "It's particularly exciting to welcome her back to Walford for an incredible storyline - one that will awaken a lot of old ghosts, some great memories, and whole new series of adventures. We're thrilled and flattered to have Tamzin home and can't wait to reveal where she's been, and who Melanie Owen is now."
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