Tamzin Outhwaite has revealed she has moved her cancer-stricken father into her home as she credits their living arrangements with helping him survive the disease.
The EastEnders star, 55, shared the deeply personal update as she marked her father Colin’s 80th birthday, explaining that ‘multigenerational living’ has helped him endure years of intensive treatment, including surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
In an emotional post on Instagram on Friday, Tamzin revealed that her father, a former Black Cab driver, has survived prostate cancer, lung cancer and now current cancers affecting his lymph nodes and skin.
Sharing a carousel of heartwarming family snaps, she wrote: ‘These photos are mainly of the last 8 years since my dad came to live with us.
‘I believe multi-generational living has kept him going and helped him through 3 rounds of radiotherapy and currently on his 2nd round of chemotherapy.’
Tamzin Outhwaite has revealed she has moved her cancer-stricken father into her home as she credits their living arrangement with helping him survive the disease
The EastEnders star, 55, shared the deeply personal update as she marked her father Colin’s 80th birthday, explaining that ‘multigenerational living’ has helped him endure the disease
Tamzin, who played Mel Owen in BBC soap Eastenders, added: ‘Surviving prostate cancer (removal of prostate), lung cancer (removal of half a lung) and now lymph node, skin etc etc.
‘Basically you are still thriving and surviving with a decent amount of joy and fun on a daily basis.’
Admitting there were moments when the family feared the worst, Tamzin continued: ‘We thought we were losing him a few times but Dad, TODAY DAD YOU ARE 80!!!’
The actress, who has two teenage daughters with her actor ex-husband Tom Ellis, also revealed she made practical changes to support her father’s health so he could retain a sense of independence while remaining close to family.
‘Having a cabin built in the garden for him to see out his end of life was one of my better decisions,’ she said, reflecting on the challenges of caring for a vulnerable parent.
Tamzin described how the family protected her father during the pandemic, writing: ‘We kept him safe through covid lockdowns with the kids chatting through windows and me taking him meals and passing them in quickly.’
She added that although he is ‘currently navigating chemo beautifully’, she acknowledged the ongoing strain, saying: ‘We know it isn’t easy.’
Tamzin also joked that her father still has ‘hair like a Bee Gee/Dickie Davis/John Bishop “coffin dodging” as he likes to put it.’
In a post on Instagram on Friday, Tamzin revealed that the Black Cab driver, has survived prostate cancer, lung cancer and now current cancers affecting his lymph nodes and skin
Sharing a carousel of heartwarming family snaps, she wrote: ‘These photos are mainly of the last 8 years since my dad came to live with us’
Admitting there were moments when the family feared the worst, Tamzin continued: ‘We thought we were losing him a few times but Dad, TODAY DAD YOU ARE 80!!!’
She added that although he is ‘currently navigating chemo beautifully’, she acknowledged the ongoing strain, saying: ‘We know it isn’t easy’
She continued: ‘Congratulations Dad on reaching 80 … far older than your parents made and far older than you ever imagined too.
‘It has been such a pleasure of mine to watch you and Marnie and Flo form bonds I dreamt about and I am so proud of all of us for navigating through some difficult times. We love you very much.
‘Rest up, keep eating, and once this round of chemo is done… I think a holiday is in order!’
The candid update prompted an outpouring of support from fans and friends.
Former All Saints star Nicole Appleton commented: ‘Happy Birthday lovely @colinouthwaite!! Have the most wonderful birthday!’.
Musician and TV presenter Myleene Klass shared a string of red heart emojis, while Loose Women star Nadia Sawalha wrote: ‘Awwww what a beautiful post… big hugs to you and yours x’.
TV presenter Christine Lampard also responded with heart emojis.
Tamzin has spoken recently about navigating major changes in her personal life alongside motherhood.
The candid update prompted an outpouring of support from fans and friends
She married Tom in 2006 before their relationship ended in 2014. The split followed allegations that Tom had been unfaithful, which Tamzin has previously described as deeply painful.
In recent years, however, she has suggested she has found peace with the past.
Last year she publicly praised Tom after attending a Netflix premiere with their children, writing that her ‘heart was bursting’ with pride.
She has also spoken candidly about her children’s journeys, revealing last year that her eldest, Flo, is transgender and that she has focused on creating a supportive, stable home for her family.
Following her divorce, Tamzin was in a long-term relationship with ‘toyboy’ filmmaker Tom Child, 33, whom she split from last year after six years together.
Despite the breakup, she has described him as her ‘best friend’ and said he remains part of the family.
Tamzin has since said she is in no rush to date again, admitting she is enjoying being single for the first time in her adult life.
