Tamzin Outhwaite, best known for playing Mel Owen in EastEnders, is joining Channel 5's crime drama Benidorm is Murder as Tiff, the former wife of John Hannah's retired copper Dennis Crown. The actress appears this week as the series nears its second-to-last episode.
A dramatic arrival in Benidorm
The Channel 5 series, which launched last month, follows retired detective Dennis, who runs a Scottish pub in Spain and reluctantly helps his true-crime-obsessed barmaid Rosa (Carolina Bécquer) solve nearby murders. In this week's episode, Tiff arrives to deliver a devastating blow to Dennis, presenting divorce documents for his signature.
Discussing her character's purpose, Outhwaite revealed that Tiff still harbours feelings for Dennis despite their separation. She remarked: "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."
A complex character with a heartfelt mission
Outhwaite 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'.
What to expect in the upcoming episode
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 isn't the only recognisable face in the series, as Loose Women's Denise Welch secured a cameo role in the opening episodes. Since its launch, the programme has garnered glowing reviews from audiences, with many demanding another series. Benidorm is Murder airs on Thursdays on Channel 5 from 9pm.
