Helen Flanagan has said that she spiralled into a deep depression after quitting Coronation Street in 2012. The actress has revealed that she stopped taking her medication for ADHD and bipolar disorder, and at her lowest point even thought about ending her life – until the arrival of her baby girl saved her.
"One day I was driving to the ITV studios and I thought, 'Wouldn't it be great if I just crashed my car now and it was all over?'" Helen told the Sun. "I've suffered from depression. It was the main reason I had to leave Coronation Street. I was very down and it was very intense – I don't think I was very well."
Helen Flanagan said being a mum to daughter Matilda has given her purpose
Helen said her perspective has changed since becoming a mother to daughter Matilda in June 2015. "Matilda inspires me to be the best person I can be," she said. "I feel like I've massively matured now I've got Matilda.
"It's definitely changed me for the better and made me happy, because I feel that it's given me a reason, everything gets put into perspective."
Helen confirmed earlier this week that she will be returning to Coronation Street as Rosie Webster, with her first scenes airing in 2017. The star, who played Rosie for 12 years, is due to start filming at the end of the year, and is clearly looking forward to reprising the role that made her famous.
The star welcomed her little girl with partner Scott Sinclair in June 2015
"I'm so excited to be returning to Coronation Street and being part of the Webster family again," she said of her return.
The soap's producer Kate Oates, meanwhile, said it was the "ideal" time to bring Rosie back. "The Websters have missed Rosie and so have we," she said. "With Sophie away on holiday with her sister it seemed like the ideal time to bring Rosie back home with her for a visit.
Helen was just nine-years-old when she first appeared in Coronation Street
"We are delighted that Helen is as keen to explore what Rosie has been up to away from the cobbles as we are."
Viewers will first see Rosie back on screen in February. She surprises her parents when she arrives back to visit them with sister Sophie, who is returning from their trip to Miami. ITV said exact plot details are being kept under wraps but added "one thing is certain – Rosie's visit to see her family won't be uneventful".