Helen Flanagan has spoken out about her early years on Coronation Street. The actress said the show treated her in a sexualised way while she was still a teenager.
Helen first joined the ITV soap in 2000. She played Rosie Webster for more than a decade. She later returned in 2017 for a brief comeback.
At just 16, Helen filmed storylines that involved adult themes. Her character became involved with teacher John Stape. The storyline later revealed him as a serial killer.
Now, Helen says the scenes made her uncomfortable. She said producers asked her to wear revealing clothing. She also said she filmed intimate scenes with an older actor.
Moreover, she explained that she did not understand the impact at the time. However, she now believes the show crossed a line. She added that fellow cast members also raised concerns.
Helen said actress Alison King once criticised the situation. She recalled Alison calling it inappropriate. As a result, Helen later realised how serious the issue was.
Despite the controversy, Helen still wants to return to the soap. She said she lives close to the Salford studios. Therefore, she could easily work around family life.
Helen shares three children with ex-partner Scott Sinclair. Because of that, location matters to her. She said Coronation Street would suit her parenting schedule.
Furthermore, she revealed that producers have not contacted her. Still, she said she would return immediately if they asked.
Earlier this year, Helen also teased possible storylines. She suggested Rosie could return as a single mother. She also imagined Rosie working behind the bar at the Rovers.
Meanwhile, Helen has stayed in the headlines for personal reasons. She recently spoke about a relationship involving boxer David Haye. She described it as a complicated situation.
The two first met on I’m A Celebrity in 2012. However, they only reconnected in 2022. They met again at an awards event.
After that, David contacted Helen. Their connection later became public. Reports claimed tension existed with David’s girlfriend, Sian Osborne.
In addition, Helen has clashed with Scott Sinclair. She recently criticised him for missing their son’s nativity. She also said she spent Christmas away from her children.
As a result, Helen continues to attract public attention. However, her comments about Coronation Street have sparked wider debate.
Many viewers now question how young actors received treatment in past soap storylines. Therefore, her story has reopened concerns about safeguarding in television.
For now, Helen focuses on her children and career. Still, fans continue to hope Rosie Webster will return to the cobbles.
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