Huge ex-EastEnders star spotted flogging T-shirts and posters of herself at car boot sale
FORMER EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite was spotted flogging T-shirts and posters of herself at a car boot sale.
The actress, 53, went low-key at the event, where she wore a baseball cap and large dark shades.
But bargain-hunters recognised Tamzin, who played Melanie Owen on BBC’s soap, and said she was struggling to sell anything.
Toyboy lover Tom Child, 33, had also stepped in to help.
A fellow seller at the car boot in Chigwell, Essex, claimed: “It was funny because she was selling weird-looking things including posters of herself.
“She had quite a few of them. They showed her dressed as Superwoman or something similar.
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“She had a load of T-shirts but people just weren’t interested.
“She had a big old industrial light and lots of blazers, too.”
Tamzin was also seen browsing other seller’s stores.
The onlooker added: “I don’t think their sale was a huge success but they seemed to be having a nice day.
“She looked like she was trying not to be recognised. But word got round about who she was and everyone was gossiping.
“I liked her on EastEnders but she was very dressed down — not as glamorous as Mel on the show.
“It made it more obvious wearing a hat and glasses. She stood out more, to be honest.”
Tamzin later broke her silence on social media telling followers the sale was a yearly tradition with her kids.
She wrote: "We had the best time. Teaching our kids who range from 15 down to 4 that selling your unwanted toys & clothes is a great way… save money.
"My kids made quite a bit of cash as did my brothers & cousin, and with my takings I got us a curry that night. If anyone knows of a great car boot sale we can do next please holla!!!"
The actress, who has also appeared in New Tricks, Doctor Who and Midsomer Murders, previously spoke of how she sold items to help pay her mortgage.
In 2020, after acting work dried up owing to Covid, Tamzin said: “I’m in a situation where I’m starting to sell things, home things, clothing.
“I think this is going to be how I’m going to pay my mortgage and exist for a while.”
Her character Mel first appeared in the soap in October 1998 and was married to Steve Owen, the crook played by Martin Kemp. Mel was killed off in November 2019.
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Tamzin has since appeared in BBC’s Death in Paradise and Ridley Road.
She was married to Lucifer actor Tom Ellis but the couple, who have two daughters, split in 2013.
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The actress later found happiness with Tom Child, whom she met at a yoga studio in London seven years ago.
She has said director Tom, 20 years her junior, has “healed” her heart.