Helen Flanagan has broken her silence after a noticeable absence from social media, posting a video on her Instagram story to explain that she has been feeling 'anxious' and 'frustrated' about her career.
The former Coronation Street star, who typically maintains a strong presence on Instagram, admitted she has been struggling with uncertainty as she approaches her 36th birthday in August. 'I really have been kind of quiet on my social,' she said. 'I've just kind of felt like not sure… I've not really been sure of myself recently.'
Career crossroads and moving plans
Flanagan elaborated on her current situation, revealing that a recent house move and indecision about relocating to London have added to her stress. 'I kind of feel like… I'm turning 36 in August, I've just done this house move, I really want to act and basically I just want a job at the moment and I feel frustrated in that way,' she explained.
She also discussed her mixed feelings about moving to the capital. 'I'm in two minds about moving to London. I was going to buy here then I decided not to buy here so everything's just been a bit, like, all over the place,' she added.
Social media work and acting ambitions
Despite her success in social media, Flanagan expressed a strong desire to return to acting. 'I have worked on social media, and it's been my job, like I worked on social media from 28 until, well I am nearly 36, and I genuinely really loved it,' she said. 'I loved the creativity of it and self expression and working with other women, I've genuinely really really enjoyed it.'
However, she made clear her primary goal is to secure acting roles. 'I just want a job at the moment and feel frustrated in that way. So yeah I've just kind of frustrated,' she stated.
Hope for Coronation Street return
Flanagan has previously spoken about her wish to rejoin Coronation Street, where she played Rosie Webster. In an earlier interview with the Echo, she said: 'Honestly if they want me to come back, I'd love to, but [show bosses] just haven't spoken to me. Everybody always asks me, 'When are you going back to Corrie?' And it's like, 'They haven't called me'. If you want to call me, that's great. But they haven't.'
She added that with her children now all in school, she is ready to focus on her career. 'I just really want to concentrate on my acting now. I feel really lucky. All my children are now at school so I want to concentrate on my career.'
Recent public appearances and book release
Earlier this year, Flanagan released a book titled Head & Heart: Break-ups, Breakdowns and Being Rosie, which covers her time on Coronation Street and her life since leaving the show. She also reunited with former on-screen sister Brooke Vincent at an International Women's Day event at Salford's Lowry Hotel, an annual lunch celebrating women's achievements.
