Helen Flanagan has openly discussed the difficulties of single motherhood, revealing that her ex-partner, Scott Sinclair, has not seen their three children in nearly a month. The former Coronation Street actress shared her emotional state and the daily challenges of parenting during the school holidays via Instagram posts.
Flanagan, 36, who shares Matilda, 11, Delilah, eight, and Charlie, five, with Sinclair, 37, split from the footballer in 2022 after a 13-year relationship. She described feeling overwhelmed while juggling her children's needs and managing a new home after recently moving out of their former marital residence.
"Things I’ve heard come out my mouth recently: Can mummy please wipe her bum in peace?, Stop fighting, I am a person, I am not your 'bro' I am your mum, No treats if your not good, Can mummy just have 5 minutes?, I love you so much," Flanagan wrote, illustrating the constant demands of her children. She later posted about a trip to Chester Zoo with her two younger children, admitting to feeling overwhelmed by the ongoing unpacking and disarray in her new house.
Flanagan expressed anticipation for a break when the children see their father, noting, "The kids dad has not had them for nearly a month so when he does I’ll get a break." She also credited her parents for their significant support in managing her children's activities and her work commitments.
Adding to the complexities, Flanagan mentioned that she and her children are neurodivergent, which can present challenges in emotional regulation. She recounted an instance of becoming tearful before leaving the house due to misplacing her keys, highlighting the everyday stresses she navigates.
In parallel, the notes detail past disputes between Flanagan and Sinclair, including a disagreement over a £15,000 sofa and the eventual sale of their former six-bedroom family home. The property, purchased by Sinclair for £840,000 in June 2021, was sold for £945,000, a figure significantly lower than its initial listing price. The sale followed acrimony over whether the house should be sold, with Flanagan wanting to remain in the family home for the children's stability, while Sinclair reportedly wished to sell and cease maintenance payments.
Past reports also mention tensions surrounding child maintenance and Sinclair's alleged absence from significant family events, such as their son Charlie's nativity play in December. At that time, Flanagan publicly criticized Sinclair for missing the event while he was reportedly traveling.
Flanagan emphasized the importance of self-care, stating, "It’s important to fill your cup and I’m hoping to get out a bit for the bank holiday, especially for pride." She also expressed a desire to rediscover her own identity beyond her role as a mother, stating, "I love them so much and I’m so grateful for my children but I just feel like mummy completely and I want to find Helen too soon."