Tamzin Outhwaite has shared a heartfelt tribute to her son Flo as he celebrated his 18th birthday, with an emotional message from his grandfather also touching fans.
The former EastEnders star, 55, is mother to Flo and 12-year-old Marnie, whom she shares with ex-husband Tom Ellis. Over the years, Tamzin has spoken openly about the family’s journey after Flo revealed he identified as a boy when he was around 10 or 11 years old.
Marking the special milestone on Instagram, the actress expressed her pride and love for her eldest child.
She wrote: ‘Happy 18th birthday to my incredible 1st born @floellisouthwaite who deserves all the goodness this world has to offer, and all the joy coming to him!’
Tamzin continued: ‘I could not be more proud of you. You inspire, surprise and astound me daily.
‘Your kindness, heart, dedication, determination, resilience, humour, courage, talent, work ethic, passion, grace, positivity…. (I could go on) are a joy to behold! What you have already achieved in these first 18 years is AMAZING.’
She added: ‘I love you SO MUCH… Here’s to YOU my darling. May adulthood bring you peace, happiness & the success you so deserve.’
But it was a touching message from Flo’s grandfather Colin that particularly resonated with followers.
He wrote: ‘I’ve feared for you for 18 years. I need never have worried.
‘Thanks for educating me and being such a special grandson.xx’
Fans praised the heartfelt sentiment, with many commenting: ‘What a wonderful grandfather’ and ‘Awww what a fantastic granddad you are.’
Flo himself replied to his mother’s post with the affectionate message: ‘Love you mother,’ prompting Tamzin to respond: ‘Love the very funny, talented bones of you darling.’
Tamzin first publicly discussed Flo’s identity during an appearance on the Parenting Hell podcast last year.
She said: ‘I’ve got two kids. I did have two daughters and now I have a son and a daughter. That’s quite easy for me to say now, but it wasn’t maybe six or seven years ago.’
Reflecting on her son’s character, she added: ‘He’s an incredibly funny, intelligent boy, and I’m watching him grow into a wonderful human who’s very talented.’
The actress admitted the early stages of the family’s journey had been difficult.
‘To see him thriving is just nothing but relief and joy for me really because there were some dark times,’ she explained.
Tamzin described the period when Flo first came out as a ‘very distressing time’, admitting her initial reaction was one of shock.
‘Working back from that with talking, family therapy, therapy on Flo’s side as well, talking with family and realising you’re not alone,’ she said.
She added: ‘We worked together as a family and with outside help.’
Speaking about the wider conversation surrounding transgender issues, Tamzin said: ‘Every situation is completely different, every child is different.’
She also revealed that Flo is an ‘incredible actor’ and hopes to become a comedy writer, adding: ‘I’m just so happy for him.’
