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Former Coronation Street Star Claims Show Sexualised Her as Teenager
Helen Flanagan, the actress best known for playing Rosie Webster on the long-running ITV soap Coronation Street, has made serious allegations about her treatment during her early years on the programme. The 35-year-old performer has accused the production of "sexualising" her when she was just 16 years old, questioning whether it was "morally right" for her to perform intimate scenes at such a young age.
Intimate Scenes with Older Actor
Flanagan, who first joined the Manchester-based soap in 2000 and remained until 2012 before returning for a year in 2017, described being made to "parade around in her knickers like a mad nymphomaniac" during her original stint. The actress was specifically referencing a controversial storyline in which her character Rosie Webster was groomed by serial killer teacher John Stape, played by actor Graeme Hawley.
"I had to do kissing and bedroom scenes with a man a lot older than me," Flanagan revealed in an interview with The Mirror. "I didn't fully comprehend what she was talking about at the time. I do now. I get it."
The age difference between the actors was significant - Flanagan was 16 when the scenes aired in the mid-2000s, while Hawley was 36 at the time. The storyline culminated in Rosie being kidnapped and held hostage by the predatory teacher character.
Co-Star Protested 'Disgusting' Situation
Flanagan disclosed that fellow Coronation Street actress Alison King, who plays Carla Connor, had protested about the situation at the time. "Alison King once kicked off in the green room, saying how disgusting it was that they were sexualising me when I was a young girl," Flanagan recalled.
The Independent has contacted ITV for comment regarding these allegations about the production practices on one of Britain's most watched television programmes.
Desire to Return Despite Past Concerns
Despite her criticisms of how she was treated as a teenager on the show, Flanagan has expressed interest in returning to the famous Weatherfield cobbles. "I'd love to go back to Coronation Street," she told The Sun, "but they just haven't asked me and I live around the corner."
The actress shares three children - Matilda, 10; Delilah, seven; and Charlie, four - with her former partner of 13 years, Bristol Rovers footballer Scott Sinclair. The couple got engaged in 2018 but separated in 2022, an event that Flanagan says triggered significant mental health challenges.
Mental Health Struggles Following Split
"It was the worst time that I've ever struggled with my mental health," Flanagan revealed about the period following her separation from Sinclair. The actress described beginning to "experience psychosis" and developing paranoid thoughts that she was "being watched, filmed, hunted, possibly even drugged."
"I was seeing things that weren't there," she added. "It was really frightening." Psychosis, which affects approximately one in 100 people, is characterised as a break from reality and is classified as a symptom rather than a specific illness.
Relationship with Boxer David Haye
Shortly after her separation from Sinclair, Flanagan developed what she described as "an amazing connection" with former world champion boxer David Haye, who is in an open relationship with Sian Osbourne. The actress said she "fell in love" with Haye but experienced significant guilt about the situation.
Appearing on Celebs Go Dating in 2024, Flanagan told the show's experts: "I didn't feel nice about it," reflecting on the complicated emotional dynamics of that period in her life.
Mental Health Support Information
If you are experiencing feelings of distress or struggling to cope, support is available through several organisations:
- In the UK and Ireland, you can speak to the Samaritans confidentially on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit their website to find details of your nearest branch.
- In the USA, the National Suicide Prevention Helpline offers free, confidential support 24/7 at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
- For international support, visit www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.
