S Poddar
Helen Flanagan has just spoken out about one of the darkest times of her life: her relationship with former professional boxer David Haye. Best known for playing Rosie Webster in Coronation Street, the actress shared her emotional experience on Channel 4 show Celebs Go Dating as she finds a new love after breaking things off with her long-time fiancé Scott Sinclair.
An emotional Helen made the admission in an honest chat with relationship experts Anna Williamson and Dr. Tara Suwinyattichaiporn. The actress, who met David Haye for the first time in the I’m A Celebrity jungle back in 2022, spoke candidly about how she never expected to fall in love with him. Reflecting on the time that they’d spent together, Helen revealed, “I’d known him for 10 years. We did a reality show together. I remember the first time, seeing him in the jungle, I was like, ‘Wow.’ It was quite something – it’s really hard for me to talk about [now].”
Their bond merely deepened, and soon enough, Helen found herself pretty attached to David. The complication in this matter was that David was already in an open relationship with another woman. This was quite an emotional experience for Helen, who cried as she related, “He had a girlfriend and an open relationship. I didn’t mean to fall in love with him, but I did. We did have this amazing connection together-we were like fire. It was weird-I think he does love his girlfriend, and he loves me as well. It just brings me to a part in my life that was quite dark.”
Then, when quizzed if the rumors about being in a throuple were true, Helen was quick to put them to rest: “No [it wasn’t]. I was in love with him. I wouldn’t have enjoyed watching the man I was in love with have sex with another woman, that’s not for me.” Such a candid admission told volumes about the depth of her experience.
Helen then went ahead to state that she had talked to his girlfriend then, Sian. “I had communication with his girlfriend, but I felt very guilty. I didn’t feel nice about it all. It really upsets me because I don’t mean to hurt other people, but I was just really lonely. I found it really difficult because it just happened. It’s not nice on another girl, and I should’ve known better,” she added, sounding apologetic over what transpired.
The ex-soap star has been attempting to get back into the dating pool since splitting from footballer Scott Sinclair after 13 years and three children together. Helen made the admission about some teary-eyed moments during filming on Celebs Go Dating. However, she had her co-stars’ support, mainly Love Island’s Chris Taylor and the show’s relationship expert Anna Williamson. “”I felt I had one moment which I struggled with, and Anna was amazing for me and Chris – Chris is lovely,” Helen revealed.
Viewers have noted something between Helen and Chris, and speculation is rife that their friendship might blossom into a romantic relationship: “I think Helen and Chris will get together, I said it here first,” said one viewer, while another chimed in, “Helen Flanagan and Chris Taylor look like a good couple; let’s hope it happens.”
The candid revelations of Helen in Celebs Go Dating have been offering the audience glimpses into her personal life, showing her in her vulnerability as she starts to navigate her next chapter in pursuit of love.
