Helen Flanagan, the 21-year-old actress best known for playing Rosie Webster on Coronation Street, is to leave the soap opera after 12 years. Flanagan will shoot her final scenes at Christmas, with her character leaving the famous street in February 2012.
Speaking to the UK's Sunday Mirror, Helen explained, "I have played Rosie for more than half my life and I feel the time has come for me to move on and try something new. I am very excited about what the future might hold for me". During her time on the soap, Flanagan's character has gone through a Goth phase, became a personal assistant at underwear factory 'Underworld', began a romance with her teacher, blackmailed her boss and became a topless model. Coronation Street producer Phil Collinson said, "We are sorry to see Helen go but wish her every success for the future". Helen took a three-month break from the soap earlier this year, but according to the Press Association she began suffering from panic attacks shortly after returning. It is thought Helen will be looking to pursue other television projects after leaving the show next year.
Flanagan is currently dating the 22-year-old Swansea City footballer Scott Sinclair. She recently tweeted a picture taken during a romantic trip to Paris.