Former Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan has revealed how the support of her former co-stars helped her through a challenging period following a psychosis diagnosis. The 34-year-old actress, who played Rosie Webster in the long-running soap, experienced psychotic episodes earlier this year due to an adverse reaction to medication.
Flanagan's ill health first came to light when she was forced to withdraw from her stage debut in "Cluedo 2 - The Next Chapter," where she was slated to play Miss Scarlett. A statement at the time cited "medical reasons" for her absence, leading to her replacement by former Coronation Street colleague and "Strictly Come Dancing" winner Ellie Leach.
In March, Flanagan opened up about her struggles, explaining that she had been dealing with mental health issues since before Christmas 2023. She attributed the psychotic episodes to a "bad reaction" to ADHD medication.
Despite the difficult time, Flanagan credits her close friendships with fellow soap stars Brooke Vincent, Lucy Fallon, and Ellie Leach as being invaluable during this period. "I wasnât very well. Really struggled mentally," she told The Mirror in a recent interview. "Sadly, I had to pull out of a theatre tour. I always wanted to do theatre as an actress. That was hard."
Leach, 23, stepped in for Flanagan during the tour. "Iâm good friends with Brooke Vincent, Lucy Fallon and Ellie Leach who took over when I wasnât well in January," Flanagan said. "I went to see Ellie in that."
The mother-of-three, who shares daughters Delilah (5), Charlie (6), and Matilda (8) with her ex-partner Scott Sinclair, acknowledged the challenges of navigating single parenthood amidst her health struggles. "Itâs not an easy thing," she shared. "But I think you need to concentrate on doing everything for your kids."
Flanagan emphasised the importance of balancing her role as a mother with her own wellbeing. "It is all a balance. Constantly. You want to be a good role model to your daughters and your sons. And I think children more than anything they want your time. It doesnât matter how many fancy things they have they want you to be present. They want their mum. So, it is finding that balance."
Now actively seeking love on the new series of E4's "Celebs Go Dating," Flanagan is committed to maintaining her mental and physical health. However, she readily acknowledges the difficulties that come with being a single mother. "I try and look after myself and my mental health, it is so important," she said. "Being self-aware and exercise. A lot of the time we ignore it for so long and thatâs why it gets bad."
She explained how being a single mother limits her ability to prioritise her own well-being. "The one thing I miss about being with my ex is not being able to leave every morning to go to the gym. I live in the middle of nowhere. You can go for nice runs and a bike ride and thatâs what I really miss⦠those little things. Thatâs really hard as a single mum."
Flanagan further highlighted the logistical challenges of single parenthood. "My little boy goes to nursery twice a week, but I canât leave the house because I need childcare... Or the school run, Iâve got to take all three. I canât leave the baby at home with their dad because he isnât there... Those little things bother me. Iâd love to pop to the gym at night or go for a swim, but I canât. Those little things are tricky as a single mum. Everything is difficult but being in a relationship thatâs quite challenging - I think thatâs harder than being a single mum. If youâre in a relationship thatâs really challenging and trying to bring up children, that is way harder for me."
