Tamzin Outhwaite has revealed that moving her father into a luxury cabin in her garden nearly nine years ago has improved his health. The former EastEnders star, known for playing Mel Owen, spoke on Woman's Hour about the benefits of multi-generational living.
Why she moved her dad in
Outhwaite explained that her father, Colin, had been living in a bungalow some distance away and was unwell. "Eight and a half years ago, he wasn't very well, and we moved him in because he lived quite far away in a bungalow," she said.
She described the accommodation as a "luxury cabin," not a shed. "He doesn't live in the house. So I had a cabin. I can only call it a cabin, I'd say it's a luxury cabin, it's not like a shed."
Health improvements and family bond
Outhwaite admitted she initially doubted her father would survive long after the move. "To be honest, when I moved him in nearly nine years ago, I didn't think he was going to last the year, and we've had eight and a half years since."
She believes the proximity has kept him "brighter" and improved his health. "Knowing that we are at the end, 10 steps away, has kept him brighter, I think, and so I do think the multi-generational living has worked for us."
Her father has also formed a close bond with her children, son Flo, 18, and daughter Marnie, 12, from her marriage to Tom Ellis, from whom she separated in 2014. "They have a very special bond. My youngest and my dad," she said, noting that he has been undergoing chemotherapy recently.
Grandfather's emotional message
Earlier this year, Colin commented on a post celebrating Flo's 18th birthday, writing: "I've feared for you for 18 years. I need never have worried. Thanks for educating me and being such a special grandson."
