Former Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan has opened up about an emotional moment where she broke down in tears after deciding against joining the adult content platform OnlyFans, describing the potential opportunity as feeling 'too grim' for her personal brand and values.
OnlyFans Opportunity Felt 'Too Grim'
The actress, who is now 35 years old, revealed she had discussions with the owners of the popular subscription-based site about potentially becoming a creator on the platform. While acknowledging she didn't want to 'belittle any woman who signs' for OnlyFans, Flanagan confessed the proposition simply wasn't aligned with her personal comfort level.
In her new book 'Head and Heart', the former soap star details the emotional impact of this decision and her immediate reaction after leaving the meeting. 'It felt too grim. I didn't want that for myself,' Flanagan explained. 'I know I post underwear pictures on my social media all the time, but that's when I'm working for a lingerie or bikini brand. I'm not asking random creepy men to pay me for it.'
The actress described needing to exit the meeting room as quickly as possible, followed by an emotional release. 'When I left, I sat on the stairs outside and cried,' she revealed, highlighting the significant personal conflict the opportunity created for her.
Career Focus and Coronation Street Speculation
Looking toward her professional future, Flanagan expressed a desire to concentrate her efforts on acting opportunities and developing her career in that direction over the coming year. This career reflection naturally led to questions about whether she might return to the iconic Manchester-based soap that launched her career.
The actress first appeared on Coronation Street in 2000, playing Rosie Webster until 2012, before reprising the role from 2017 to 2018. When asked about a potential return to Weatherfield, Flanagan expressed uncertainty but openness to the possibility. 'I'm not sure if a return to Corrie is on the cards at all, but I'd be open to it somewhere along the line,' she said. 'I think it could be iconic to see Rosie back in Weatherfield again.'
Reflections on Early Career and Industry Changes
Flanagan also reflected on her early experiences on the Coronation Street set, revealing that co-star Alison King, who plays Carla Connor, had previously expressed concern about how the programme sexualised her character when she was still a teenager.
'Was it morally right that I was expected to parade about in my knickers like some mad nymphomaniac when I was still just a teenager?' Flanagan questioned. She recalled King condemning the situation in the green room, saying 'how disgusting it was that they were sexualising me when I was a young girl.'
The actress admitted she didn't fully comprehend these concerns at the time but now understands the significance. 'I do now. I get it,' she stated, adding that industry standards have evolved significantly since then. 'Everything has changed now, which I'm glad about. They wouldn't write it in quite the same way all these years later and since the Me Too movement.'
Beyond her soap opera work, Flanagan has appeared on various reality television programmes including I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! and Celebs Go Dating, building a diverse entertainment career while navigating the complexities of fame from a young age.
