Flanagan, now 34, has spoken candidly about the impact of the break-up, which culminated in a harrowing experience earlier this year. "I really wasnât very well," she shared. "I was struggling with my mental health around December and January, so I took my medication to try and make me feel better, and unfortunately it just made things worse."
The medication, intended to manage her ADHD, triggered a psychotic episode, leaving Flanagan feeling disconnected from reality. "I was seeing things, I felt like I was in danger all the time," she said, adding that while she can "remember bits" of that time, she prefers not to dwell on it.
This challenging period forced Flanagan to withdraw from a touring production of Cluedo, a role she was hoping would mark a return to the theatrical spotlight. Instead, she will be making her comeback in a very different capacity â she is set to appear in the upcoming series of Celebs Go Dating, the popular reality show that pairs celebrities with members of the public.
Flanagan, who admits she has never been on a date before, is entering the dating world with an open mind. "I did go on a few dates and Iâve had a few experiences, put it that way," she said. "But filming this was different, really fun, and I met some lovely people. Iâve really bonded with Ella and Chris as well."
The Celebs Go Dating dating expert, Anna Williamson, has teased that Flanagan's time on the show will be full of drama, with the actress nearly being ejected from the dating agency for "breaking the rules" and sparking "the biggest cliffhanger pivot of a storyline" the show has ever seen.
However, despite the excitement of the show, Flanagan remains cautious about finding love. "I donât hold back, Iâm honest in the way I speak about things in my life," she explained. "Iâve tried to respect other peopleâs feelings, but I do worry. I canât help but be anything other than myself â I donât know if thatâs a good thing or a bad thing."
Flanagan's honesty extends to her feelings about the end of her long-term relationship. She describes the break-up as "really messy" and admits that, while she still loves Sinclair, they are not on good terms at the moment. "Itâs incredibly sad," she said. "We just donât like each other at the moment, although Iâm sure that will change in time."
Despite the difficulties, Flanagan is determined to move forward with her life, finding strength in her children and focusing on her own wellbeing. "I think youâve got to realise that nothingâs going to be perfect," she said. "All you can do is just try your best and be true to yourself."
Celebs Go Dating returns to E4 for a five-week run from 19 August, airing Monday to Thursday at 9pm.
