Fans of Coronation Street have followed many dramatic storylines over the years, but now one of its former stars has sparked conversation off-screen. Helen Flanagan has opened up about her time on the soap as a teenager, and her reflections on those years reveal a side of the show viewers rarely hear about.
She Now Questions How Her Teen Storylines Were Handled
Helen, now 35, first appeared on the cobbles in 2000 as Rosie Webster and remained a regular until 2012, before returning again in 2017 for a year.
One of Rosie’s most controversial plots aired when Helen was 16, during a storyline where 15-year-old Rosie was groomed by her teacher John Stape, played by Graeme Hawley. The plot escalated into kidnapping and hostage scenes after the affair came to light and John lost his job, and the character later emerged as a serial killer.
Looking back, Helen has said she feels the show sexualised her at a very young age. She questioned whether it was morally right for producers to expect her to appear in her underwear on screen as a teenager, saying she felt like she had to act far older than she was.
She also shared that she filmed kissing and bedroom scenes with a man much older than her. Helen recalled that Alison King once became upset in the green room and argued that it was wrong to sexualise her at such a young age. Helen admitted she did not fully understand Alison’s concern at the time, but now she does.
She Still Hopes For A Return To Coronation Street
Despite her criticism, Helen has not closed the door on Weatherfield. Seven years after her last exit, she has said she would happily return if the show invited her back. She pointed out that she lives near the Salford-based set, which would make the job practical while she co-parents her three children with her ex, footballer Scott Sinclair.
In an interview with The Sun, she said plainly that she would love to return but the producers simply have not asked. She repeated that the offer has not come, but her interest remains.
Earlier this year, she even teased fans about a possible comeback and suggested a storyline. She said she would love to go back, especially since living in Bolton helps her balance work and motherhood to Matilda, Delilah, and Charlie.
She has already imagined Rosie as a single mum with a strong storyline, joking that Rosie could leave her kids with Sally and step into an iconic Rovers barmaid role. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Coronation Street spoilers.