Tamzin Outhwaite, best known for playing Mel Owen in EastEnders, has joined the cast of Channel 5's crime drama Benidorm is Murder. She appears this week as Tiff, the ex-wife of John Hannah's retired detective Dennis Crown.
The series, which began last month, follows Dennis as he runs a Scottish pub in Spain and reluctantly helps his true-crime-obsessed barmaid, Rosa (Carolina Bécquer), solve nearby murders. In the penultimate episode, Tiff delivers divorce papers for Dennis to sign.
Character's complexity revealed
Speaking about her role, Outhwaite shared that Tiff still cares about Dennis despite their separation. She commented: "They obviously still care for each other. I love that scene. That same scene could have ended with her scolding him and just being the classic archetype, but instead, it’s really apparent that she still cares."
She added: "She's there to tell Dennis that she’s getting married to Eddie, and she’s brought the divorce papers, but she doesn’t want to break his heart any further. She wants to tell him face-to-face rather than him finding out any other way."
Speaking to RadioTimes, the 55-year-old described Tiff as 'complex', confessing she feels as though time is running out for her. Outhwaite added that her character believes she deserves better and isn't 'completely settled'.
Episode synopsis and guest stars
A synopsis for the upcoming episode reads: "On Levante Beach, wealthy Mick claims a lounger as his kingdom, surrounded by family and friends. Following a jellyfish incident, he falls asleep beneath his Union Jack hat and never wakes. As Dennis and Rosa reconstruct events, motives emerge, revealing a planned murder, a timed distraction and troubling moral choices."
Outhwaite is not the only well-known star to appear in the drama, as Loose Women's Denise Welch had a cameo role in the first few episodes.
Viewer praise
Since the series began, it has received high praise from viewers, with many calling for another season. Online, one person said: "I don't understand what people were expecting! I LOVED it! It was so tongue-in-cheek and funny! It actually made me laugh out loud!"
Another added: "Great cosy crime. More please. This is such a fab show to watch, not gritty and disturbing like a lot on the TV, this has John Hannah and lots of great guest artists. It's easy to watch, light-hearted, and set in Benidorm. Lots of references to other TV detective shows. I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next. Great to watch if you like A Good Ship Murder and Death in Paradise."
While someone else commented: "Witty and fun! Really enjoying this! Very funny, with the mystery and conclusion actually making sense, unlike many other shows. John Hannah is excellent as the washed-up and reluctant investigator, and his sidekick, smiley, and enthusiastic, which is a nice change, has wonderful comic timing. Death in Paradise meets Touch of Cloth. Can't understand the poor reviews. Please make more."
Benidorm is Murder is available to watch on Thursdays on Channel 5 from 9pm.
