Tamzin Outhwaite is feeling "hopeful" after her father had his coronavirus vaccine following "nearly a year" of shielding.

Tamzin Outhwaite

Tamzin Outhwaite

The former 'EastEnders' actress took to Twitter to tell her fans that her dad Colin received the first of his two jabs on Sunday (17.01.21), and he praised the organisation of the vaccine process.

She tweeted: "Yesterday my dad had his 1st jab of the vaccine.He has been shielding for nearly a year as he is vulnerable with underlying health issues.I called the doctor a couple of times but he only got his invitation the day before.He said it was very well organised & we await no 2. #hope (sic)"

Tamzin's ex-'EastEnders' co-star Laurie Brett (Jane Beale) was delighted to hear Colin had been vaccinated.

She wrote: "Fantastic!! Go Colin (sic)"

Tamzin turned 50 last November and revealed her dad - who lives in a separate dwelling at the end of her garden - put on a fireworks display to celebrate her birthday.

She tweeted at the time: "Thank you all for the birthday wishes. I feel extremely loved & incredibly lucky to have the friends & family I have.

Twitter can be a wonderful place sometimes.

"Those asking,I did the school run then got spoilt by my man & watched a video of all my friends doing hilarious attempts at a fitness compilation(as we were meant to be at The Body Camp). Had a lovely lunch at home. This evening my dad gave us a firework display in the garden...

"... and my girls ran me a bath with petals & Epsom salts, then gave me a facial & massage in candlelight. Presents have been arriving all day & I have never felt more loved. All without a drop of alcohol. Nicely done Tom Child, friends & family. Thank you #lockdown50th (sic)"