Helen Flanagan has provided fresh insights into her previously strained relationship with former Coronation Street colleague and on-screen romantic partner Ryan Thomas. In her newly released autobiography, Head & Heart: Break-ups, Breakdowns and Being Rosie, the actress delves into the real-life tensions that existed behind the scenes of the iconic soap opera.
From Screen Romance to Real-Life Clashes
Flanagan, who portrayed Rosie Webster on Coronation Street from 2000 to 2012 with a brief return in 2017, details how her working relationship with Thomas, who played Jason Grimshaw, was far from harmonious. Despite their convincing on-screen chemistry as a couple, their off-screen dynamic was marked by frequent disagreements and professional frustrations.
The Root of the Conflict
In candid excerpts from her book, Flanagan reveals that much of the friction stemmed from Thomas's morning temperament and preparation habits. She writes: 'Me and Ryan Thomas weren't on the best of terms in real life either – we used to clash something chronic, mainly because he would be dead grumpy in the mornings and never used to know his lines!'
The situation escalated to a point where Thomas directly expressed his dislike for her, prompting an equally blunt response from Flanagan. She reflects: 'I probably needed to lighten up a little bit, but he once told me outright that he didn't like me and I told him to f*** off (mature of me).'
From Foes to Friends
Despite their rocky start, Flanagan notes that time has healed many of their past wounds. She explains that as they've moved in similar social circles over the years, they've developed a genuine friendship. 'Over the years since, however, we've moved in similar circles and become quite good friends and I've got a lot of time for Ryan and his brothers, Adam and Scott. They're good lads,' she writes in the autobiography.
Other Personal Revelations
Beyond her relationship with Thomas, Flanagan's book contains several other personal disclosures about her romantic history and current circumstances.
Shared Romantic Connections
One surprising revelation involves Flanagan and her on-screen sister, Brooke Vincent, both dating the same Manchester City footballer. Before her long-term relationship with Scott Sinclair, Flanagan had a brief romance with Manchester City youth player Reece Wabara. Shortly after their relationship ended, Vincent began dating Wabara.
Flanagan describes the situation with humour: 'I dated a few guys off and on although they never developed into anything significant. I went out a few times with a Manchester City youth player called Reece Wabara who – and this is too funny – Brooke later ended up going out with.'
She recalls one memorable incident where Wabara's landlady intervened during a night out: 'There was one night he took me back to his lodgings after we'd been out in Manchester and his furious landlady kicked me out. 'Er, you're not going upstairs young lady,' she said. Dead!'
Current Personal Circumstances
Flanagan also addresses her recent separation from footballer Scott Sinclair, with whom she shares three children: Matilda (10), Delilah (7), and Charlie (4). The couple ended their 13-year relationship in 2022, and recent reports suggest Sinclair has asked Flanagan to vacate their former £1.5 million six-bedroom family home.
The actress has publicly requested that fans refrain from sending her messages about Sinclair's personal life. In an Instagram Stories video, she stated: 'I've been getting messages as well, quite a lot of DMs about the whereabouts of the father of my kids. Please, I really don't care. No one needs to DM me and tell me his personal business. I'm spared of that now.'
With the property now on the market and reportedly in Sinclair's name, it's believed he wishes to reduce maintenance costs by having Flanagan relocate to a smaller residence.
