Corrie actress opens up

Helen Flanaghan speaks about leaving the soap...

10:03 01 November 2011

Helen Flanaghan has spoke about her decision to leave Coronation Street.

The 21-year-old actress revealed the news last month after it was reported that she had suffered a string of serious panic attacks on set.

She opened up about how she didn't enjoy performing when her character went through a promiscuous phase.

Speaking to Hello magazine about her character, she said:

"I like that she's confident, whereas I'm reserved and shy. I can hide behind her. She's funny and sweet too.

"I didn't enjoy playing her when she went through a promiscuous phase. Luckily she shows more heart these days.

"But I'd give her some advice and tell her to calm down a bit. She is fiercely ambitious and worships power and money."

The star, who has played Rosie Webster for 12 years on the long-running soap, also shared how she felt free during her recent three-month break from the show.

"During my time away from the street I felt free. One of the first things I did was cut my hair short and dyed it bright blonde. I felt fearless and girlie. It was something I had wanted to do for a long time.

I loved the way it made me feel and have no regrets, even though I had to dye my hair brown again when I returned to Coronation Street."

Flanaghan will film her final scenes early next year.