00s legends who shared iconic TV friendship are together again in new snap

Stephen Patterson

Published November 6, 2024 9:18am Updated November 6, 2024 9:19am

EASTENDERS...Picture Shows: TAMZIN OUTHWAITE as Mel and LUCY BENJAMIN as Lisa TX: BBC ONE Thursday February 10, 2000 Mel (TAMZIN OUTHWAITE) stays with Lisa (LUCY BENJAMIN) for moral support as they wait for the results of her pregnancy test. WARNING: This copyright image may be used only to publicise current BBC programmes or other BBC output. Any other use whatsoever without specific prior approval from the BBC may result in legal action. ...0181 576 8309 Thursday February 10, 2000 Unmanipulated picture — Mel and Lisa’s friendship was one of EastEnders’ most iconic (Picture: BBC)

EastEnders star Lucy Benjamin has shared a snap of her and Tamzin Outhwaite together and suddenly it feels like the early noughties again.

The soap stars, as TV fans will recall, played Lisa Fowler and Mel Owen respectively, at a time that is largely considered one of the BBC One soap’s most iconic eras.

With Tamzin having recently celebrated her birthday, Lucy took to social media to wish the star a good one, sharing a recent selfie of them together.

‘Happy birthday @glamzin!,’ she wrote on Instagram. ‘Hope you get spoilt rotten?’

Tamzin responded with: ‘Thank you gorgeous xxx’

Fans were quick to comment, with one writing: ‘Lovely photo of you both Happy Birthday to Tamzin’ while another added: ‘great pic’.

https://www.instagram.com/p/DB_O8SUIyEG/?igsh=MWV3amJ2MTk2NHJhNg%3D%3D

Mel and Lisa’s friendship was loved by audiences, with the two characters often seeking advice from one another and supporting each other in times of need, becoming one of the serial drama’s most popular duos.

The friendship in question was revisited in 2019 as part of Mel’s exit story, with Lisa returning to the Square around the same time.

Embargoed to 0001 Sunday August 25 For use in UK, Ireland or Benelux countries only Undated BBC handout photo of Lisa Fowler played by Lucy Benjamin (left) and Mel Owen (Tamzin Outhwaite. Lisa Fowler is returning to the BBC One soap nearly two decades after she shot Mitchell in one of the show's most-watched episodes. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Issue date: Sunday August 25, 2019. The new storyline will see her arrive on the Square to help her pregnant daughter, who has gone missing alongside her boyfriend Keanu Taylor. See PA story SHOWBIZ EastEnders. Photo credit should read: Kieron McCarron/BBC/PA Wire NOTE TO EDITORS: Not for use more than 21 days after issue. You may use this picture without charge only for the purpose of publicising or reporting on current BBC programming, personnel or other BBC output or activity within 21 days of issue. Any use after that time MUST be cleared through BBC Picture Publicity. Please credit the image to the BBC and any named photographer or independent programme maker, as described in the caption. — Lisa and Mel reunited in 2019 as part of the latter’s exit story (Picture: BBC)

Mel met a tragic end during that year, after she crashed her car while trying to expose Sharon Watts’ affair with Keanu Taylor.

Lisa was devastated by her pal’s death and subsequently tried to expose the affair for herself, determined to get justice on behalf of her beloved Mel.

Lisa later returned to the Square as part of daughter Louise’s exit storyline and then staged another comeback in 2023 as she sets her sights on targeting Keanu for cash.

She subsequently fled the Square with granddaughter Peggy, with some assistance from Sharon.

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