Helen Flanagan has hit back after several viewers took to social media to criticise her performance on Coronation Street. The 26-year-old returned to her role as Rosie Webster after a five-year break from the show on Monday, and in a move which seemed to address the negative comments she shared a quote with her 484 thousand Instagram follower which read: "No matter how rich, cool, educated, or talented you believe you are, how you treat people ultimately tells all. Integrity is everything."
Her dedicated fans were quick to send messages of support, with one writing: "I don't get why people don't realise that literally is just how Rosie is. Just ignore it all!" Another added: "Love seeing you back on Corrie babe, ignore the haters." Helen's onscreen sister, actress Brooke Vincent, commented on the post in support, writing "love my girl". She then tweeted a sign which read: "Don't let anyone EVER dull your sparkle," accompanied by a love heart and an emoji of two women. Helen retweeted the post along with several other messages of support. "I am so pleased @helenflanagan1 is staying on the cobbles," one retweet read. "She is absolutely hilarious as Rosie,and one of the nicest people I have ever met."
Corrie bosses were clearly delighted by Helen's performance as series producer Kate Oates announced plans to make her character "permanent." In a statement, she wrote: "We are thrilled to have Helen back and delighted that she is now going to become a more permanent fixture in Weatherfield. Rosie is a classic Coronation Street comedy character and we are looking forward to seeing more of her antics in the future." Helen said: "I am having so much fun being back here playing Rosie again. The writing is hilarious and I am delighted to be staying around. I can't wait to see what Rosie is going to get up to."