Helen Flanagan has opened up about the difficulties that come with being a mum, as she admitted she has found motherhood “hard” recently and has experienced feelings of being “overwhelmed and stressed” as a result.
The Coronation Street star shares three children with her ex-partner, Scott Sinclair. They have two daughters together, nine-year-old Matilda, six-year-old Delilah and son Charlie who is three years old. Helen separated with the footballer in 2022 after 13 years together and getting engaged.
Helen has since appeared on reality TV shows including I’m A Celebrity South Africa in 2023 and Celebs Go Dating in 2024, but is most known for being a part of the Webster family on Coronation Street. She played the role of Rosie Webster on the Cobbles from 2000 to 2012 and from 2017 to 2018. After going on maternity leave in 2018, she did not return to the role.
On Instagram, Helen shared a heartfelt post and a series of images of spending time with her children. She wrote: “Looked back at some of my favourite times with the kids this year. Found motherhood hard recently, I’ve felt overwhelmed and stressed the majority of the time and I want to get back to when I’m present and I’m really in it and I’m really enjoying it.
“I always wanted to be a mum, I get mum guilt with Matilda as I feel like I’m always pre occupied with her brother, I can’t give her the energy that I want to give her and I feel like she always sees me at my worst. I also feel like she needs calm which I can never be Delilah, I feel like I’m getting it right with her and I feel like our bond is tight, so that’s something not to beat myself up about.”
Speaking about her youngest child, Charlie, the former actress added: “I could pull my hair out sometimes, I feel like I’ve got the male version of me. Co parenting is hard and not being a team together and not being able to talk about your anxieties and worries for the kids. I suppose you can only do your best and be kind to yourself but I wanted these on my grid for me as they make my soul happy.”
The actress was supported by fans who reminded her that parenthood is difficult. Sarah wrote: “Omg so relatable to read this has made me feel so much better as it’s exactly how I feel on my own with my babies , like my eldest doesn’t always get the best of me.”
Ashley commented: “Helen. You are the BEST mum. Kids are so so lucky to have you. Usually when I feel short and snappy I know it’s time for a childfree break, even just a day to lie in and recharge.”
Jennifer added: “You’ve got three gorgeous, happy kids there so you’re definitely doing something right! Don’t be so hard on yourself, being a parent is tough but you’ve got this. One step at a time.”
The actress has revealed she’s ready for a fresh start as eyes up her acting comeback. The 34-year-old actress was due to appear in Cluedo 2 theatre tour last year but was advised to withdraw due to medical reasons.
Speaking at the WhichBingo Awards in May, Helen said: “My passion is acting and I’ve got got two really good projects next year which I’m excited about and I just want to focus to getting back into acting. I really want to do theatre and I’d love to do some dramas.
“There’s loads of things I’d like to do but I feel like I want to start fresh again and go into theatre and go from there really.” The mum-of-three explained: “I get asked all the time if I’m going back to Coronation Street and I would love to go back.
“I read a story the other day which said ‘Helen reached out to Corrie bosses and they rejected her’ and that’s so not true at all.”