Former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan has described the experience of spending Christmas without her children as profoundly "unnatural," offering a raw insight into the challenges of co-parenting following her split from footballer Scott Sinclair.
An 'Unnatural' Festive Separation
The mother-of-three shared her feelings in a heartfelt TikTok video posted during the festive period. In the clip, she is seen cosied up in bed wearing heart-print pyjamas, blowing a kiss to the camera. She accompanied the video with Mariah Carey's classic, All I Want For Christmas Is You.
In a lengthy caption, the 34-year-old star wrote: "Not having your kids on Christmas Eve feels so unnatural when your a mummy x." She continued, explaining that while she ended up having a nice Christmas with family and friends, she missed her children deeply. "It’s not about me it’s about the children," she added, "and I have always encouraged a relationship with their father."
Navigating a Difficult Split
Flanagan and Sinclair, who were together for 13 years, ended their relationship in 2022. They share three children: daughter Matilda, 10, daughter Delilah, seven, and son Charlie, four. The breakup has reportedly not been smooth, with tensions surfacing publicly.
Just days before Christmas, Flanagan had lashed out at her ex-fiancé, branding him a "piece of s**t" after he missed their son Charlie's nativity play to attend Formula One events in Abu Dhabi. This incident highlighted the ongoing difficulties in their co-parenting arrangement.
Reflecting on the festive period and the broader challenge, Flanagan told her followers: "Sending love to all of those that co parent I hate calling it that over Christmas, it’s not easy."
Support from Fans and Fellow Parents
The actress's honest post resonated with many, drawing messages of solidarity and support in the comments section. One fan, who saw her perform in panto in Liverpool on Christmas Eve, thanked her for making their day "magical."
Another commenter, identifying as a single parent, offered encouragement: "Well done you, I’ve done it for 6/7 years now, it’s not easy but it’s not about us, it’s about relationships with parents/siblings, your kids will appreciate it when their older."
A third praised her maternal instincts, writing: "What a top mam putting ur kids first as they should be, enjoy your turn next year with them x."
Helen Flanagan's candid revelations provide a glimpse into the emotional reality many separated parents face during the holidays, emphasising a continued focus on the children's wellbeing amidst personal heartache.
