Tamzin Outhwaite has hit back at critics of the 21-year age gap in her relationship.
The former \'EastEnders\' star has been dating 28-year-old personal trainer Tom Child for two years, and she insists there is a double standard when it comes to the way age is perceived for couples.
The 49-year-old actress told Prima magazine: "People think I\'m having a midlife crisis, but actually, not all men want a younger woman. Helena Bonham Carter has a younger guy, too.
"I love that. There\'s Joan Collins, Sam Taylor-Johnson and Helena with younger men, so I\'m in really lovely company.
"The other way around, no one says anything about a younger woman do they?"
And Tamzin has explained how Tom has played a big part in keeping her physically and mentally healthy.
She said: "Tom\'s very good for my mental and physical health. He reminds me to just breathe if I\'m not having a great time. And he reminds me to sweat, to work out, because it makes you feel better.
"We exercise together. We met years before we went on a date. Our eyes met across a crowded yoga studio, and we\'ve been together for more than two years now.
"We have a lovely time. It\'s comfortable and we make each other happy.
"I\'m living in the now and not worrying about it because I don\'t have to, as there\'s nothing we desperately want or need from each other."
Tamzin was previously married to \'Lucifer\' actor Tom Ellis, 41, from 2006 to 2014.
The pair have two daughters, Florence and Marnie, together but split after Ellis cheated on her while working in America.
He also has daughter Nora from a previous relationship and he is now married to actress Meaghan Oppenheimer.
