Helen Flanagan - ‘I'm a better and happier person since becoming a mum

The actress reveals how motherhood has changed her as she returns to Coronation Street as vixen Rosie Webster

- Sarah Robertson

It’s been five years since the force of nature that is Helen Flanagan left Coronation Street. At the time, she revealed she’d been suffering from ‘scary’ panic attacks that were having an impact on her body and she needed a break.

Helen, 26, went down the reality route and took part in I’m A Celebrity in 2012, becoming infamous for her hysterics and refusal to do Bushtucker Trials. She also embraced the WAG lifestyle with her footballer boyfriend of seven years Scott Sinclair, 27, being papped on non-stop shopping trips between her revealing lads’ mag shoots.

But that all changed 18 months ago when she disappeared from the spotlight to have her baby girl Matilda. So it was a surprise when Helen announced she was returning to Corrie in February.

When Now meets her on set in Manchester, we’re struck by how different she seems to when we last spoke to her. She’s still jaw-droppingly beautiful, but her make-up is pared down, her hair is more natural and she’s covered up in a jumper and skinny jeans. She looks altogether softer. But perhaps the biggest change is her general demeanour – she seems measured and calm. Helen credits this change to becoming a mum and admits that she’s grown up. And now she’s about to be thrust back into the spotlight as Rosie Webster , who comes back to the cobbles with a bang…

Hi, Helen! You’ve been away from Weatherfield for five years – what made you say yes to a return?

I wanted to come back. It was nice because the producers emailed to ask me and I was thrilled. I’m really enjoying it. It’s been perfect timing.

When you were out of the spotlight, did you ever start to miss fame?