EastEnders star Tamzin Outhwaite has opened up about the terrifying experience of being refused entry in India, along with her ten-year-old daughter
The mother and daughter duo were heading to Goa, in the west of the sub-continent, for a week long yoga retreat, but came against problems when it transpired that Tamzin, who plays Mel Owen in the soap, did not have a valid visa.
To make matters worse, ten-year-old Florence did have a valid visa, leading them both to fear they could be separated by immigration.
Taking to Twitter to share her ordeal, Tamzin explained her mistake to her 205k followers.
“My 10 yr old and I have just been refused entry into India due to my visa , which was still valid, but apparently a passport stamp in Mumbai to get a connecting flight to London at new year , counts as entry,” she wrote.
“We both sat crying in immigration at Goa airport but nobody died and after another 9 hr flight we are back in Blighty!
“Only having one week for a mother/daughter healing holiday after a difficult year means we are now looking for a new trip. It won’t be a family yoga retreat but a bonding trip will suffice."
CHECK OUT next week's EastEnders spoilers - Louise Mitchell reveals she's pregnant
EastEnders spoilers week 8 2019 - slider & stacked
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The week begins with Sharon feeling pressured by Karen Taylor to get information about Keanu from Phil. When she fails to find anything out from her husband she takes drastic steps and makes a phone call…
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She's then shocked when she gets a surprise visitor from Lofty.
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As Karen piles on the pressure, Sharon decides to manipulate Louise into asking Phil about Keanu. She's not prepared for Louise's shock confession – she's pregnant with Keanu's baby!
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Phil is left furious at his daughter's revelation and as things escalate Karen arrives. When she spots how angry Phil is, she assumes he knows about Sharon and Keanu's affair but she quickly discovers what's really going on.
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Phil then receives a message – it's a picture of Keanu beaten up.
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Mitch and Bailey Baker plan a surprise for Karen to take her mind of Keanu.
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Elsewhere on the Square, it's Doctor Legg's funeral and Dot's not well enough to attend.She's then left disappointment to see the rest of the residents not paying their respect.
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When Rainie arrives to help Dot, Sonia Fowler is not impressed. She later steps in for Dot and read's Dr Legg's eulogy at the chapel.
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Later on at The Vic, Dot is left touched when she sees all the residents who have come out to pay their respect. She's left further turned when she sees two blasts from the past- Loft and Mary.
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As they all reminisce about their time together with Dr Legg, everyone bids one final farewell to him.
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Over to the Ahmed household and there's a commotion at the train station when Masood's nieces Iqra and Habiba arrive on the Square. While Masood is saying his farewells he spots his nieces and is quick to quiz them on their arrival.
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Iqra thinks quickly on her feet and says they've arrived to help him out with the restaurant while Masood is away – but are they telling the truth?
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As they begin to rave about his trip to Australia, his suspicions grow. Things get even worse when he spots the pair telling agency stay they're not needed…
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When Iqra and Habiba drum up business for the restaurant in The Vic they instantly get on the wrong side of the Slater family – what have they done?
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Habiba is then left unimpressed when she hears Mick giving Kat Slater a stern warning for not doing her job properly. She then decides to take one for the team and knock her drink all over Mick. Things then get even worse when the fire alarm goes off and all the residents evacuate the pub. While this Is going on Iqra spots Habiba sneaking out of a side door – what is she up to?
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Habiba is full of enthusiasm for work and is adamant they can make a success of managing the restaurant but when Iqra suggests calling home, Habiba shoots her down – what's stopping them?
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Habiba then asks Ruby Allen to help with a promotional event which annoys Iqra's. As Habiba shakes Ruby's hand on the deal, Iqra further worries about money and how they'll pay her. Later, Habiba reveals how she got the money.
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Meanwhile, Tiffany Butcher gets a frosty reception from Evie's gang and when Bernadette gets caught in the crossfire, Tiff stands up for her.
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As Bernadette begs Tiffany to talk, the pair make up and it's not long before Bernadette reveals she's been online dating. Tiff then gives her pal the confidence she needs to pursue a possible date.
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Unfortunately when Bernadette has a disaster preparing for her date, Tiff is quick to help her. When Bernadette arrives at her date venue she mistakenly thinks Habiba is her date, luckily the newbie brushes the confusion off but Bernadette is left mortified.
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When Tiffany spots Evie Steel she stands up and supports Bernadette… elsewhere things go from bad to worse for Bernadette.
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Over to the Branning household and Ranie is left frustrated at her husband Max when he ignores her calls. Rainie then turns her attention to Sonia but leaves her annoyed when she competes with Stuart Highway over who should look after Dot.
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Rainie is then left furious when she discovers from Masood's nieces that Max didn't leave her in charge, unnbeknownst to her, Iqra was lying – they have no idea who Max is. Feeling ostracised, Rainie drinks in The Vic and flirts with a random man.Oh boy…
WATCH EastEnders spoilers: What's next for Stuart Highway?
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The EastEnders star said she was "very proud" of her daughter, who coped admirably.
“I feel very proud of my daughter , who cried , as I did, but was mostly worried that we may be separated like families in the U.S , as her visa was valid but mine not. Fortunately we are home. I’m a country I feel lucky and proud to live in. #backgammontimes #scarybuthome”.
And aftet thanking fans for their well wishes and suggestions for “late, last last min deals”, Tamzin gave us further insight into the sweet nature of her little girl.
“The mad thing is , we had full suitcases of clothes that Flo was determined to give to the children on the streets, in slums & on beaches, homeless... she saw videos of us in Mumbai doing it. We have come home with it all!! Next time xxx”.