Helen Flanagan is making a triumphant return to Coronation Street after a harrowing battle with depression left her feeling suicidal. The 26-year-old actress told The Sun she secretly stopped taking medication for her ADHD and bipolar disorder, and went spiralling down so fast, she was forced to quit the show to concentrate on her health.
Speaking about the “intense” time that led to her quitting Corrie back in 2012, Helen recalled: “One day I was driving into the ITV studios and I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be great if I just crashed my car now and it was all over?’
“I’ve suffered from depression. It was the main reason I had to leave Coronation Street.
“I was down and it was very intense — I don’t think I was very well.”
The time out helped Helen get to grips with her mental health to the extent she’s now off meds and campaigning for greater awareness and empathy towards fellow sufferers of depression, anxiety, ADHD and bipolar disorder.
Helen is also a mother to 15-month old Matilda, and said her little girl has given her life new meaning and purpose. She revealed: “Matilda inspires me to be the best person I can be. I feel like I’ve massively matured now I’ve got Matilda.
“It’s definitely changed me for the better and made me happy, because I feel that it’s given me a reason.
“Everything gets put into perspective. You think: ‘Well, as long as she’s healthy and alright.’ It gives a meaning to your life.”
Helen spoke about the importance of weekly cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) now that she's no longer taking any medication.
She said: “I don’t want to pass any negative energy or behaviour down to Matilda, so I’ve been seeing a therapist once a week for a while and things have really improved.
“CBT gets to the root of any problem, so I feel in a good place now. It’s something I will always work on, but I don’t take medication any more.”
Being a mum has also made Helen rethink her previous roles as a glamour model and reality TV star - both of which drew constant examination and criticism of her every move. Breaking free from that vicious, negative cycle of online abuse has allowed Helen to rebuild her career and relationship with boyfriend, Scott Sinclair.
Speaking about her split from the football star back in 2013, Helen said: “It was difficult living out our relationship in the public eye. Scott and I have been together for such a long time.
“Nobody is perfect, no one. Especially when they are young and learning, I’m not perfect.”
The pair are in a much more mature and happy place since reuniting and moving to Scotland following Scott’s £4.5m signing to Glasgow Celtic. Helen has previously expressed a desire to get married and that Scott knows exactly what ring to pop the question with - “one with a huge rock rock on it”.
A source close to Helen told The Sun it was the crazy world of glamour modelling and reality TV that got Helen into trouble. Now that she’s focused on her acting and being a role model to Matilda, she’s far more grounded and comfortable about reimagining her personal life and on screen character, Rosie Webster.
The gorgeous actress is reportedly being paid £30,000 for her first three months back on Coronation Street. It seems show bosses are desperate to reinject a bit of sex appeal since Georgia May Foote, 25, and Michelle Keegan, 29, quit the soap.
The source continued: "She’s going back to Coronation Street where she feels comfortable among friends to get back in the saddle.
“Now she has got her anxiety under control she’s feeling much more confident. It’s small steps but she wants to work hard and really hopes people are impressed by how much she’s grown as an actress.”
Helen will be back on the street in February. What do you make of Rosie’s return? Let us know on Facebook and Twitter (@CloserOnline).