The thought of dating has filled Tamzin Outhwaite with apprehension as she reflects on her breakup with actor Tom Childs. The EastEnders actress, now 53, shared on a recent episode of the Suddenly Single podcast that she has been single for a few months and is prioritizing her personal well-being.
After her relationship with Tom, who is 33, ended and following the dissolution of her marriage a decade ago, she feels it is essential to embrace life as a single woman.
Reflecting on her breakup with Tom, the 53-year-old actress is focusing on embracing life as a single woman
Last month, Tamzin confirmed her split from Tom after a six-year relationship that began when they met at a yoga class in 2017. Their breakup occurred earlier this summer, marking a serious change in her life.
Previously married to Miranda star Tom Ellis, she divorced him in 2014 after allegations of infidelity during his filming of the American series Once Upon a Time. During her podcast appearance, Tamzin expressed her fears about re-entering the dating scene.
She shared, “I’ve been single for a few months, and I believe I owe it to myself to remain single for a while.” The actress described her current focus as being centered on herself and her children, noting that her ex-partner, with whom she spent six and a half years, remains a close friend.
Expressing her discomfort with dating, she commented, “The idea of going on a date fills me with horror due to the awkwardness of it all. Even if Brad Pitt wanted to take me out, I’d probably decline.”
For now, Tamzin prefers to concentrate on her own happiness rather than sharing her life with someone new. She admitted, “The thought of being with the same person for life is frightening to me.”
Her perspective has shifted; she no longer believes that lifelong partnerships are meant for everyone and struggles to envision herself settling down with a single person again.
Tamzin also mentioned that her previous relationships often led her to chase after men, which left her feeling overlooked. Currently, she is prioritizing her children and finds joy in spending time with them without the need for a romantic partner.
She remarked, “There’s a lot to admire about people who stay together forever, but I’ve come to realize that not everyone is meant to be with the same person for a lifetime.” The New Tricks actress acknowledged her tendency to engage in unhealthy relationship patterns and emphasized her desire to develop healthier habits moving forward.
“I used to be wired for chaos, but I’m now training myself to embrace calmness. I’m starting to appreciate this new version of myself!” she shared. Tamzin described her approach to life as more aligned with that of a man; she prefers to go with the flow and enjoy the present moment. With no specific needs from a partner—such as children, marriage, or financial support—she feels a sense of freedom and empowerment.
With her children as her main priority, she is content spending time with them without a romantic partner by her side. She explained that her home life is lively and busy, with her 78-year-old father living in close proximity, along with her children and pets. “I don’t feel like I have the emotional or mental capacity for a relationship right now,” she admitted.
Discussing her breakup with Tom Childs, she noted that their relationship naturally transitioned into a friendship. “We moved into the friend zone,” she stated, recognizing that there is often an imbalance in wanting a relationship, but she feels their breakup was respectful and mature.
Reflecting on her six-and-a-half-year relationship, she said, “I look back on it fondly and believe we will always have a connection. It was a very humane and mature breakup, and I prefer to focus on my own heart and that of my children.”
Although she characterized the end of her relationship with Tom as amicable, Tamzin has learned valuable lessons and is firm in her decision not to allow anyone to move in with her if she dates again.
“I definitely wouldn’t let anyone move in with me now,” she stated. Regarding dating apps, Tamzin confessed she has never tried them and is unsure if she would want to. She emphasized her preference for gauging someone’s energy and vibes in person rather than evaluating them through online profiles.
“I’m not sure how to approach dating. I rely on the energy and aura of a person rather than judging them from a screen,” she explained. At this moment, Tamzin is uninterested in dating but hasn’t completely closed the door on the possibility. “Once the kids move out, that might be when I feel a bit lonely and want to explore dating again. I believe in fate and meaningful connections,” she reflected.
