'Coronation Street' star Helen Flanagan confirms soap exit

Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan has confirmed that she is leaving the soap.



The actress will film her final scenes for the show at Christmas and viewers will see her character Rosie Webster depart the cobbles in February 2012, the Sunday Mirror reports.

Flanagan's Coronation Street future was thrown into question a week ago when reports suggested that she was quitting due to her recent panic attacks. However, the 21-year-old has now said that her anxiety played no part in her decision to bow out.

"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," Flanagan told the newspaper. "I am very excited about what the future might hold for me.

"I have loved playing Rosie and during my time growing up on Corrie, I have made some amazing friends and learnt an awful lot."

Flanagan, who is currently dating footballer Scott Sinclair, is thought to be leaving three months before the end of her contract. Show bosses are expected to leave the door open for her to return in the future.

A source said: "Helen will probably take a break from acting. She can't wait to spend time with Scott and take their relationship to the next level. She may return one day but it's the last thing on her mind now."

Flanagan has been part of the Coronation Street cast since 2000 and is the second actress to have played the role of Rosie.

Makes me smile. Some people don't know when they're well off.

How many leave soaps to "try other things" and we never hear of them again? Bill Roach (Ken Barlow) has it right... nice steady job... regular income...