Tamzin Outhwaite, the former EastEnders actress, has revealed that her eldest child, 17-year-old Flo, is transgender. In an emotional interview on the Parenting Hell podcast, Outhwaite discussed the journey her family has been through since Flo came out seven years ago.
The 54-year-old admitted that her initial reaction was one of disbelief. 'The way I reacted at the very beginning I would love to change,' she said. 'My mind went to "that's ludicrous".' Outhwaite shared that she was distressed at first but, after family therapy and open conversations, the family is now thriving.
Outhwaite shares Flo and 12-year-old Marnie with her ex-husband Tom Ellis. She reflected on the shift from having two daughters to now having a son and a daughter. 'It's quite easy for me to say now but it wasn't maybe six or seven years ago,' she explained.
The actress praised her younger child, Marnie, for being the most insightful family member, saying that from the age of six, Marnie has referred to Flo as her brother. Outhwaite also noted that Flo has experienced acceptance at school and is thriving as an actor, singer, writer and director in his sixth form.
Outhwaite acknowledged the difficult times the family faced but emphasised the current happiness in their household. 'We live in a very happy household now, full of jokes,' she said. 'Instead of just trying to get through difficult times, we are now all thriving.'
