Coronation Street actress Helen Flanagan has spoken publicly for the first time about her battle with panic attacks, revealing that one was so severe it halted filming on the set of the ITV soap. The 21-year-old, who returns to the show tonight as Rosie Webster, said she is determined to overcome the condition.
Flanagan, who has suffered several attacks, described them as 'very scary'. She said: 'I did have one at work and everyone was very understanding but I didn't know what might have caused it.' The actress is seeking advice from co-star Kym Marsh, who has also experienced panic attacks, and is trying to identify triggers to help her manage them.
Despite the ordeal, Flanagan insists her return to work after a three-month sabbatical is not a factor. She is in a happy relationship with Swansea City footballer Scott Sinclair, whom she describes as 'the one'. The couple have been dating for two years and have managed a long-distance romance between Manchester and Wales.
Flanagan's break from the show allowed her to spend more time with Sinclair, and she says they are determined to overcome any hurdles. She added: 'There will come a point when Scott and I live together and it will be amazing.'
The actress is also starring in a new online spin-off, 'Just Rosie', which follows her character's modelling career in London. Reflecting on her 12 years on the show, Flanagan said the time off was 'amazing' and she is happy to continue on the Street for the foreseeable future.
