Helen Flanagan marked her 36th birthday with a trip to Lake Como, showcasing celebratory moments in a series of bikini photos on Instagram.
The former Coronation Street actress shared a "get ready with me" video on Friday, featuring two different bikini looks. One post showed her in a blue string bikini, paired with a sheer blue beach dress and a matching bandana, while another featured a pink bikini with gold hardware. These posts coincided with Flanagan's reflections on her year of single life.
Flanagan, who shares three children—Matilda, Delilah, and Charlie—with ex-fiancé Scott Sinclair, has spoken about her approach to relationships. She and Sinclair, a professional footballer, ended their 13-year relationship in 2022. A subsequent relationship with Robbie, a construction worker, ended in the summer of 2025.
Reflecting on her birthday and single status, Flanagan wrote on her Instagram Story that while she misses having a boyfriend when her children are not with her, she prefers to remain single rather than settle for the wrong connection. She also noted that she is not someone who enjoys being alone in general and often seeks companionship with friends or family when not with her children. She described her mood as variable, ranging from very happy and fun to not feeling great.
In a separate series of posts last month, Flanagan opened up about her experiences as a woman with ADHD, discussing topics such as casual sex, intense rejection, and relationships. She stated that she identifies as a "lover girl/wifey" rather than someone who engages in casual sex, and that she forms attachments easily. She expressed frustration with ghosting after intimacy, humorously calling those who do so "big fat rats."
Flanagan also shared a tearful selfie, describing what she termed "rejection sensitivity," a condition she is learning to manage better. She cited her intense romantic nature, comparing herself to Cathy Earnshaw from "Wuthering Heights," and recalled falling in love intensely from a young age. She mentioned moving in with her first boyfriend at 17 and getting her ex-fiancé's name tattooed at 19.
Regarding potential ADHD-related habits, Flanagan mentioned that while she does not have an issue with alcohol, she developed unhealthy coping mechanisms after separating from her children's father, using them to numb stress and sadness. She stated she now has a healthier relationship with alcohol. She also expressed empathy for those affected by drug addiction, noting a close personal connection to the issue.
As a mother with ADHD, Flanagan described experiencing overstimulation, particularly with excessive noise, and a tendency to swear when frustrated. Despite challenges with organization, she emphasized her commitment to ensuring everything is perfect for her children. She also speculated that at least one of her three children may be neurodivergent.
Earlier in the month, Flanagan also shared that she has been struggling with unemployment and a feeling of uncertainty after moving out of her family home. The property, previously shared with Scott Sinclair, sold for £945,000 after initially being listed at £1.5 million.