As actress Helen Flanagan reprises her role as ditzy Rosie Webster, the 26-year-old explains how motherhood has matured her...
Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan says she has grown up during her time away from the soap and her character Rosie Webster.
The 26-year old, who will be back on the cobbles next week for a guest stint, attributed her maturity to the fact that she is now a mum to 18-month-old daughter, Matilda – her first child with partner, Celtic footballer Scott Sinclair.
"I left Coronation Street at 21 and I’m 26 now and feel much more mature," she said. "I have a little girl, Matilda and being a mum makes you grow up a lot. It gives you more perspective and purpose."
She added: "Motherhood has changed me – I’m a happier person and I love it. Walking through the door after work and seeing how excited Matilda is to see me is the best thing. I also appreciate playing Rosie more than I did before. I don’t think I always appreciated what a great job it is."
The actress, who famously starred in I’m a Celebrity... in 2012, was rarely out of the headlines in the months following her Coronation Street departure, and was criticised by some parts of the media for constantly publishing revealing selfies on her social media accounts.
She believes she's learnt to step away from the spotlight. "Now I’m older and more experienced, and I’ve learned to keep my private life more private," she said. "I don’t post pictures of my daughter or my boyfriend on social media – I have a private account."
The star is initially back in Corrie for a few months, in a storyline which will see Rosie jet in from Miami to visit her dad, Kevin – only to discover that her boyfriend has planted drugs on her.
But Helen has hinted that she may be open to a more permanent return, saying that there is 'no definite story end' and 'scope to stay on'.
