Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan has bravely detailed the profound emotional pain and subsequent mental health struggles she endured following her split from long-term partner Scott Sinclair. The star, best known for playing Rosie Webster on the iconic ITV soap, ended her thirteen-year relationship with the footballer in 2022, a separation she describes as both heartbreaking and intensely painful.
A Candid Conversation on Lorraine
Appearing on ITV's Lorraine on Monday, February 9, Flanagan offered a raw and honest glimpse into her personal turmoil, referencing excerpts from her forthcoming memoir, Head & Heart: Break-ups, Breakdowns and Being Rosie. She told host Lorraine Kelly that experiencing such a difficult breakup can be utterly devastating, and she hopes her transparency will provide comfort to other women navigating similar heartache.
"Obviously, it can be really heartbreaking, it can be so painful when you go through such a bad break-up," Flanagan explained. "So I really am honest about my experiences, and I hope it is a comfort to all the women who are going through it." Kelly responded with empathy, noting that sometimes relationships end despite best efforts, and emphasising the importance of prioritising children, a sentiment Flanagan wholeheartedly endorsed while admitting to feeling vulnerable in parts of her book.
The End of a Thirteen-Year Relationship
Helen Flanagan and Scott Sinclair, a professional footballer, began dating in 2009. Their relationship progressed to an engagement in 2018 after Sinclair proposed during a romantic trip to Disneyland Paris. The couple, who share three children, had a lengthy engagement and even set a wedding date in 2022, but parted ways shortly afterwards, bringing their long-term partnership to a sudden and sorrowful conclusion.
A Severe Mental Health Crisis
In the aftermath of the split, Flanagan faced an extraordinarily challenging period that culminated in a severe mental health breakdown. She previously disclosed to The Mirror that an adverse reaction to prescription medication exacerbated her condition, leading to a terrifying episode of psychosis.
"It was the worst time that I've ever struggled with my mental health," Flanagan revealed. "I do think the medication was really bad for me, but I became quite addicted to it. It just all became too much and I began to experience psychosis. I thought I was being watched, filmed, hunted, possibly even drugged, I was seeing things that weren’t there. It was really frightening - I thought my kids were going to be taken away, the nursery got involved."
Diagnoses and Recovery Journey
During this tumultuous time, the I'm A Celebrity star was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). With the steadfast support of her parents and professional therapists, Flanagan gradually began to rebuild her life, embracing therapy, open conversation, and exercise as healthy coping mechanisms.
"For me, healthy ways are therapy, talking and exercise," she stated. "It feels like everything's coming together now. I’ve come a long way and I’m really proud of myself."
Using Her Platform to Help Others
Now in a more stable place, Helen Flanagan is determined to use her platform and personal experiences to aid others who may be struggling. She firmly believes that discussing mental health openly can be lifesaving and helps to dismantle the isolation often felt by those suffering.
"When you talk about mental health, it saves people's lives. And it makes you feel less on your own," Flanagan asserted. "It's not just going to go away. Sometimes your brain is wired more differently - mine is. And mental health is something that's in my family as well. I have three children that are half me, so I have tried to be more educated about mental health and how to deal with it in healthy ways - because maybe one day one of my children might have some struggles."
Her new memoir serves as a central part of this mission, offering an intimate account of her heartbreak, breakdown, and ongoing journey toward healing and self-acceptance.
