Helen Flanagan opens up about tearful Christmas sacrifice for her kids

Actress Helen Flanagan is all set to make this Christmas a memorable one for her three children, putting aside any differences with their father and focusing on successful co-parenting. The 34 year old has three kids - Matilda, seven, Delilah, five, and Charlie, three - with footballer Scott Sinclair, 35, from whom she separated in 2022 after a 13-year relationship.

Despite confessing that she and her former fiancé "do each other's heads in", in an exclusive chat, she emphasises their unity when it comes to their brood, stating: "We're focused on what matters the most – the kids. It's all about communication and being fair."

However, the ex-Corrie star admits that it hasn't been smooth sailing, as she recalls spending last Christmas without her children. "It's my turn with the kids this year because he [Scott] had them last year," she shares.

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"We can't do half and half because he's in Bath and I'm in Manchester so it's hard to have those split Christmas days. We take turns. I think it's important to be fair when it comes to who gets the children over Christmas."

Since September, she has been sharing her Lancashire home with her current beau, ex-non-league footballer-turned construction firm boss Robbie Talbot, 45, who also has kids from a previous relationship. "It's hard to talk about the role Robbie plays in my children's life as Scott is still their dad, but having my boyfriend's support is great," says Helen, reports the Mirror.

Bristol Rovers ace Scott, 35, may be all loved up living with his current partner, model Louise Tarver, but that didn't stop him from getting together with his ex Helen and their kids for a magical outing at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park. Coronation Street alum Helen, famed for her role as Rosie Webster, is switching things up this Yuletide - choosing to spend the big day with her mum and kids, while footy dad Scott pops over in the afternoon.

The soap star, now collaborating with WhichBingo, shared: "Christmas is different for me every year. When I was with Scott, we moved all over the place because of football."

"Sometimes we would visit his family, sometimes we would visit mine, and sometimes we would be somewhere completely random because he's playing football. But I think Christmas is about the children.

"I don't think it has to be honed in on one day, we celebrate all through November and December to make sure it's special for them and they get time with both of us."

Reflecting on the festive season following her split, Helen revealed that this Christmas promises more cheer as she's all wrapped up in a "happy and healthy relationship" with Robbie. Fans have been sending their best as she opened up: "A lot of single mums can relate to me and when I met Robbie, I had so many lovely messages from people who had also gone through big breakups and divorces to say they were so happy for me," she confided.

"It's really nice to be back in a happy, healthy relationship after such a public breakup. I felt a lot of single mums could relate to me on Celebs Go Dating."

"I was very honest with my emotions on the show, but I also had to protect myself a bit. Navigating being a single mum takes time. I'm in a much better place than I was this time last year."

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