Helen Flanagan Opens Up About Edited Sexuality Scenes on Celebs Go Dating
Former Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan has revealed in her newly published autobiography that she discussed her sexuality during filming for the reality show Celebs Go Dating, but the scenes were ultimately cut from the broadcast. The 35-year-old actress participated in the programme in 2024, though it later emerged she was already in a relationship with her now ex-partner Robbie Talbot at the time.
Protecting Family Feelings Led to Edits
In her book Head & Heart, published by Mirror Books, Flanagan explains she addressed what she describes as "confusion I was feeling around my sexuality" while recording for the show. However, she became increasingly anxious after filming these segments, particularly worried about how her mother might react if they aired.
She wrote: "The thought of this footage going out on national telly got me really depressed, like I'd massively let her down as a daughter." Fortunately, the production team proved understanding. Flanagan continued: "Thankfully, the producers at the show were understanding and they agreed to edit those scenes alongside me, something they did with great care, removing the parts completely where I opened up about my sexuality."
Past Relationships and Personal History
While Flanagan has never explicitly detailed her sexuality publicly, her relationship history includes a 13-year engagement to footballer Scott Sinclair, which ended in 2022 after they welcomed three children together. She also had a brief relationship with boxer David Haye three years ago, though she firmly dismissed speculation about involvement in any "throuple" arrangement.
Coronation Street Conflicts Revealed
The autobiography doesn't shy away from other revelations about Flanagan's time on the iconic ITV soap. She describes a significant falling-out with former co-star Ryan Thomas, claiming she told him to "f*** off" during a heated on-set exchange before eventually leaving the programme.
Flanagan suggested Thomas displayed "unprofessional" behaviour, alleging he "never knew his lines." However, she notes their feud has softened over time, and they've since become "quite good friends" after crossing paths at various showbiz events.
Further Soap Opera Revelations
Additional bombshells from the book include:
- Flanagan and co-star Brooke Vincent both dated the same Manchester City footballer, Reece Wabara, at different times during her Coronation Street tenure.
- She describes a brief, non-serious fling with Wabara that ended abruptly after an incident with his landlady.
- Accusations against actor Antony Cotton, who she claims made jokes about her anxiety medication that left her in tears.
Flanagan's character Rosie Webster dated Thomas's character Jason Grimshaw from 2011 to 2012, meaning the actors worked closely during that period. She ultimately left the cobbles to pursue modelling opportunities in London.
Head & Heart: Break-ups, Breakdowns and Being Rosie is available now, offering readers an intimate look at the actress's personal and professional journey beyond her television persona.
