Tamzin Outhwaite reflects on parenting trans teen amid family changes

Tamzin Outhwaite has opened up about the journey she and ex-husband Tom Ellis have experienced since their eldest child, Flo, came out as transgender, emphasizing that he is now “thriving, absolutely thriving.”

The EastEnders actress and the Lucifer star, who split in 2014, share two children: Flo, 17, and Marnie, 12. 

Speaking to The Mirror, Outhwaite described the family’s path as “a very long journey” but said they are now in a “great place.”

“I’m just happy that he’s happy, and that’s how I feel at the moment,” she said. “He’s thriving, absolutely thriving.”

Outhwaite noted that she only discusses Flo publicly with his permission, revealing that she recently spoke about him on Rob Beckett and Josh Widdicombe’s podcast, Parenting Hell, which is his favorite.

Flo first came out as transgender around the age of 10 or 11. Reflecting on the process, Tamzin said last year, “The maddest thing is that it’s not the most interesting thing about him. 

He’s an incredibly funny, intelligent boy. I’m watching him grow into a wonderful human who’s very talented.”

The 55-year-old actress added that Flo is excelling academically and creatively in sixth form, pursuing acting, singing, writing, and directing, while her younger daughter Marnie is also “thriving.”

Tamzin and Tom Ellis, 47, married in 2006 and divorced eight years later in 2014. 

Their split was reportedly acrimonious, and in 2023, Outhwaite posted a tweet marking the 10th anniversary of their separation, alleging past infidelities by Ellis. She later deleted the post, explaining that she was expressing pride and gratitude while reflecting on her personal growth.

Ellis remarried screenwriter Meaghan Oppenheimer in 2019, and the couple welcomed a daughter in 2023.

Despite the challenges of co-parenting and past disputes, Outhwaite emphasized that the family is now in a positive place, celebrating Flo’s personal and creative achievements.