In the midst of filming, I realised I was falling for him'

Former Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan introduces us to the 'secret' boyfriend she had while on Celebs Go Dating, Robbie Talbot

- SARAH MORTON

Their relationship may have got off to a controversial start, but in their first joint interview, it’s clear Helen Flanagan and boyfriend Robbie Talbot are paying no mind to the drama. In fact, the loved-up pair spend the entirety of our shoot laughing and joking with each other, Robbie teasing playfully while former Coronation Street actress Helen falls about giggling.

For a couple with five kids between them, they are remarkably relaxed and, once you get them started on their romance, there’s no stopping them.

“I’ve never met anyone like him,” Helen gushes as she gazes over at Robbie, 44. “He’s not only a lovely man, but he’s really, really funny. And he had the balls to chat me up! Usually I don’t get that, but he has so much confidence. And he really takes care of me.”

‘I WANT THE DRESS, THE BIG DAY, ALL OF IT. I DEFINITELY WANT TO GET MARRIED’

The pair met in February at a restaurant in Alderley Edge, just days before Helen, 34, signed a contract to appear on E4’s Celebs Go Dating. Despite undeniable chemistry with her new man, Helen went ahead with the programme, even kissing potential dates.

“I’d always wanted to do the show, it was a great opportunity,” Helen tells us now, before Robbie adds, “We weren’t serious at that point, we were just dating. And we communicated the whole way through. I knew all along what was happening.” More on that later.

Fast-forward eight months and the show has aired, their romance is officially out in the open and they’ve met each other’s kids. Next stop?

“I still dream about a big wedding,” Helen says, giving Robbie a nudge. “I want the dress, the big day, all of it. I definitely want to get married.”

Helen, who was previously engaged to footballer Scott Sinclair, hasn’t made it down the aisle yet, but Robbie, who has two daughters, has.