Former Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan has publicly disclosed the real reason she turned down a coveted spot on the hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.
The Jungle vs The Ballroom
In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, conducted in partnership with WhichBingo, the 35-year-old star confessed that she was formally offered a place on the dancing competition but made the conscious decision to appear on ITV's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! instead. Reflecting on that pivotal career choice, Flanagan stated, "I was offered it (Strictly) but I chose the jungle instead. In a way, I think, obviously it was the right choice. You know, you can never have regrets."
She further elaborated on her time in the jungle, which took place in 2012 when she was just 22, admitting that while she felt she was "rubbish in the trials," the experience ultimately helped build her profile. "I suppose it kind of gave me a name, really, if that makes sense," she added.
A Change of Heart and Health Advocacy
Thirteen years after her jungle adventure, the actress's perspective has shifted. She now expresses a strong desire to showcase her skills on the Strictly dance floor. "I would absolutely love to do Strictly," she enthused. "I mean, I think everybody wants to do Strictly, don't they? I would adore to do Strictly."
Flanagan also took a moment to voice her support for current contestant and former Geordie Shore star, Vicky Pattison. She praised Vicky as a "champion for women" who "really advocates for other women." This admiration is deeply personal, as Flanagan revealed her own struggle with PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder). She expressed gratitude for how openly Pattison discusses the condition, crediting her for providing personal help. "I struggle with PMDD and it's something that significantly impacts my life," Flanagan shared.
Reflecting on a Pivotal Year
The year 2012 was significant for the actress, marking both her departure from Coronation Street and her stint in the Australian jungle. Looking back, she described the reality show as an unparalleled experience. "I just don't think anything can truly prepare you," she reminisced. "I did the jungle when I was 22. It's one of the biggest shows in the UK, but I didn't really do any prep. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I thought I would just wing it and I was completely clueless. But I loved the social aspect of it."
Now, with the glitterball trophy in her sights, Helen Flanagan is ready to trade bush tucker trials for tangos, proving it's never too late for a new challenge.
