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EastEnders star opens up on one moment from show that 'triggers' emotional memories

Former EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite opened up about being triggered by the iconic 'doof-doof' sound during her appearance on Alan Titchmarsh's show

[The actress is well known for her role as Melanie "Mel" Owen on the BBC hit soap]

The actress is well known for her role as Melanie "Mel" Owen on the BBC hit soap(Image: ITV)

Former EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite has revealed the one thing that continues to leave her feeling "triggered" since departing the soap.

The 55 year old actress is best recognised for portraying Melanie "Mel" Owen on the BBC flagship drama. She initially graced Albert Square from 1998 to 2002 before making a comeback between 2018 and 2019.

As a key character in the programme, she featured in major plotlines, including her marriage to Steve Owen and her dramatic exit in 2019.

The star made an appearance on Saturday's (February 1) edition of Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh alongside fellow guest, singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti, and conversation quickly shifted to her stint on the show.

Jack confessed to being a devotee of the programme, noting how the legendary 'doof-doof' brings back memories of his youth, reports OK!.

[Tamzin opened up on 'triggering' soap moment]

Tamzin opened up on 'triggering' soap moment(Image: ITV)

The BBC drama wouldn't be complete without its distinctive 'doof-doofs', those drumbeats that herald drama, devastation and some of the series' most explosive cliffhangers.

Tamzin seized the moment to share how the 'doof-doof' still affects her today, explaining that it transports her back to her most intense storylines.

The star confessed: "It triggers me when I hear it, but it's more that the storylines and everything... The amount that you go through in a very short period of time as a character, you know, you're sliding down walls, crying and so I think when I hear that that kind of takes me back to a time where I was probably crying."

She continued: "I do have a very good friend that every time I speak, he pulls out his phone and plays the 'doof-doof'. It never gets old and everyone still laughs."

[Tamzin Outhwaite and Jack Savoretti]

The star appeared on Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh alongside other guest singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti(Image: ITV)

This comes as Tamzin has recently secured the starring role in a beloved British theatrical production. The actress is set to feature in a fresh touring version of Abigail's Party.

Tamzin will portray Beverly, hailed as "one of the most iconic characters in British theatre" - a part first brought to life by Gavin and Stacey's Alison Steadman in Mike Leigh's acclaimed work.

The Stratford East staging kicks off its tour in June at Malvern Theatres, before travelling to Bath, Fareham, Brighton, Leicester, London and Cambridge.

Set in 1977 Essex, Abigail's Party follows Beverly as she entertains neighbours at a gathering that becomes increasingly fraught as the night unfolds.

[Tamzin Outhwaite has signed up to dating apps]

Tamzin recently landed the lead role in a classic British stage(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images for WFTV Awards)

The tale opens with "the alcohol is flowing, Demis Roussos is on the record player and the cheese and pineapple cocktail sticks are ready to go.

"Queen of the castle in her suburban semi, Beverly and husband Laurence welcome new neighbours Angela and Tony round for drinks," the synopsis adds.

"Sue from next door is invited too but the real party is happening back at her place, as Sue's teenage daughter Abigail can't seem to keep the racket down. Awkward small talk quickly descends into inappropriate flirtation and marital disputes: a soiree from hell, but it'd be rude to leave..."

EastEnders airs Mondays to Thursdays at 7:30pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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