EXCLUSIVE: The Rosie Webster actress also highlights the importance of women supporting each other as she recalls a heartwarming act of kindness.
Helen Flanagan has revealed her desire to return to acting as her youngest child prepares to start school this September.
The 33-year-old actress, best known for playing Rosie Webster in Coronation Street from 2000–2012 and again in 2017–2018, shares three children—Matilda, nine, Delilah, six, and Charlie, three—with her ex-fiancé Scott Sinclair.
Though she has remained in the public eye through reality TV appearances, including I’m a Celebrity… South Africa in 2023 and Celebs Go Dating in 2024, Flanagan is eager to return to scripted drama.
Speaking to The Standard on behalf of WhichBingo.co.uk, she said:
“I really want to get back into acting. I feel like I spent most of my early twenties having babies, which was amazing, but now that my son is starting school, I’d like to focus a bit more on work.”
While she wouldn’t rule out a return to Coronation Street, where she imagines Rosie Webster could return with a couple of children of her own, her priority is theatre and drama projects.
Balancing career aspirations with motherhood
As she considers moving to London for better career opportunities, Flanagan admits that mum guilt is a constant struggle.
“I’ve always said I’ll move to London. There are so many more work opportunities, and it’s much easier for auditioning. But when you’re a mum, you can’t just think about yourself. I adore my kids, but it’s non-stop. You’re constantly on the go.”
Her honest reflection on motherhood will resonate with many parents juggling personal ambitions with family life.
The importance of women supporting each other
On International Women’s Day, Flanagan expressed her firm belief in women uplifting one another and recalled a moment when a stranger’s kindness meant the world to her.
“The week before, I had such a tough day with the kids—they were all being a bit of a nightmare, and I thought, ‘I’ve had enough!’ The next day, I took them all out to a café, and they were so well-behaved. When I was leaving, a woman sent me a message saying, ‘Just to let you know, I think you’re a really good mum.’ It honestly meant so much.”
She added:
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“As mums, we have those days where we’re pulling our hair out. It’s nice when another woman acknowledges the effort you put in. We should all support each other.”
Prioritising self-care and one-on-one time with her children
Flanagan believes that being a mother is “the hardest but most rewarding job” and stresses the importance of taking time for oneself.
“You have to do things for yourself too—fill your own cup. I recently went away for a night with a friend, and when I came back, I was so much more energised. I was a better mum for it.”
She also cherishes spending individual time with each of her children, something she says she’s fortunate to do thanks to the support of her parents.
“I think one-on-one time with your kids is really important. Over Easter, I’m considering taking Delilah to Bangkok to visit my brother. I need to check the flights, but I think it could be really special.”
As Flanagan prepares to embark on this new chapter in her career, she remains dedicated to her role as a mother while encouraging other women to embrace both their ambitions and personal well-being.
