Former EastEnders actress Tamzin Outhwaite has candidly shared the one thing that still “triggers” her following her departure from the soap.

The 55 year old actress is best known for her portrayal of Melanie “Mel” Owen on the popular BBC soap, a role she first took on from 1998 to 2002 and later reprised from 2018 to 2019.

As a key character in the soap, she was embroiled in high-profile storylines, including her marriage to Steve Owen and her dramatic exit in 2019.

The star made an appearance on Saturday’s (February 1) episode of Love Your Weekend with Alan Titchmarsh, where she was joined by fellow guest, singer-songwriter Jack Savoretti. Conversation soon turned to her time on the soap.

Jack confessed his fondness for the show, noting that the iconic ‘doof-doof’ drum beats remind him of his childhood, reports OK!.

These ‘doof-doofs’, synonymous with the BBC soap, signal moments of turmoil, heartbreak and some of the show’s most gripping cliffhangers.

Tamzin seized the moment to reveal how the ‘doof-doof’ still triggers her, as it brings back memories of her intense storylines.

She 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.”

Meanwhile, Tamzin has recently secured the starring role in a quintessentially British theatrical production. The actress is set to take centre stage in a fresh touring version of Abigail’s Party.

She’ll be portraying Beverly, hailed as “one of the most iconic characters in British theatre” – a part originally brought to life by Gavin and Stacey’s Alison Steadman in Mike Leigh’s celebrated play.

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

Set in 1977 Essex, Abigail’s Party unfolds as Beverly throws a neighbourhood gathering that gradually becomes increasingly fraught as the night wears on.

The evening begins with “the alcohol flowing, Demis Roussos on the record player and the cheese and pineapple cocktail sticks 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 continues.

“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…”