Helen Flanagan recently marked one year of being single, sharing reflections on her Instagram Stories that touched on her preference for relationships and her aversion to settling for less than she deserves.
Flanagan, who shares three children—Matilda, Delilah, and Charlie—with her ex-fiancé Scott Sinclair, split from the professional footballer in 2022. She later briefly dated Robbie, but they separated in the summer of 2025. As she approaches her 36th birthday, Flanagan stated that she only misses having a partner when her children are not with her, describing herself as "more of a relationship girl."
"I don't want to settle though unless it's right so if it's not I'd rather be on my own," she wrote, adding that she generally dislikes being alone and prefers to be with her children, close friends, or family when not with her kids.
In previous posts, Flanagan has also discussed her experiences as a woman with ADHD, including her approach to intimacy and feelings of rejection. She described herself as a "lover girl/wifey" who gets attached, and noted experiencing "limerence" and "rejection sensitivity."
She also opened up about past intense relationships, including moving in with her first boyfriend at 17 and getting her then-partner's name tattooed at 19. Her second serious relationship was with her children's father, lasting 13 years.
Flanagan also touched upon her struggles with work and housing after selling the family home she shared with Scott Sinclair. The property in Lancashire reportedly sold for £945,000 after being listed at £1.5 million. She expressed uncertainty about her career path and her next steps, considering a move to London but remaining undecided.
"I've just kind of felt like… I've not really been sure of myself recently," she said in a video, discussing the significant changes she is navigating. She also mentioned feeling frustrated by a lack of acting opportunities and not feeling creative with her social media work, which has led to anxiety.
Flanagan also addressed past unhealthy coping mechanisms, explaining that she used to "numb" stress during difficult periods after separating from her children's father. She stated that she now has a healthier relationship with alcohol and expressed empathy for those struggling with drug addiction.
Regarding motherhood with ADHD, she noted experiencing overstimulation and frustration, though she ensures her children's needs are met. She speculated that at least one of her children may also be neurodivergent.