Helen Flanagan has stepped into her role as Aladdin's Spirit of the Ring as she prepares for pantomime season, a period that can be lucrative for celebrities. This engagement comes as Flanagan has publicly discussed financial challenges as a single mother.
Flanagan, 36, is scheduled to perform in "Aladdin" at Parr Hall in Warrington, sharing the stage with fellow Coronation Street actor Steven Arnold. The production runs from December 30 to January 10, with ticket prices ranging from £9 to £20.
Pantopimes are often a significant income source for performers. Previous participants like Alison Hammond have reportedly earned substantial sums, with Hammond cited as earning £195,000 and Scott Mills £190,000 for their panto appearances.
Flanagan has been open about her financial situation in recent months. She recently sold the six-bedroom property she shared with her ex-partner, Scott Sinclair, and their three children: Matilda, 11, Delilah, eight, and Charlie, five. The couple separated in 2022 after 13 years together.
The property, originally listed for £1.5 million, was sold for £945,000. Land Registry records indicate the buyers are a couple operating a property management company. It is understood that Sinclair, who paid for the house in cash and was its sole registered owner, was the primary driver behind the sale. The couple were never married.
In a video shared on Instagram shortly after the sale, Flanagan expressed feelings of uncertainty, stating, "I've not really been sure of myself recently. I kind of feel like… I'm turning 36 in August, I've just done this house move, I'm kind of unsure where I am like career wise as well. There's a lot of change going on and I don't know, I've just felt a bit weird in myself."
She also contemplated her next move, mentioning a potential relocation to London. "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 said. Flanagan also shared her frustration with her acting career, stating, "I've just felt frustrated with work as well because I really want to act and basically, I just want a job at the moment and feel frustrated in that way."
During her relationship with Sinclair, Flanagan, who was once reported to be worth £3.5 million, spoke about experiencing financial difficulties as a single mother, even claiming she could not afford taxis for her son's nursery. The sale of the home marked a significant transition for the family. There was also a reported dispute over a £15,000 sofa, which Flanagan attempted to sell for £3,950 on Instagram, but Sinclair reportedly intervened to block the sale.