By Laura Cox and Jennifer Ruby


She caused nationwide outrage when she posted a picture of herself posing with a gun to her head in the wake of the Sandy Hook school massacre.

But a tearful Helen Flanagan apologised to the nation on Daybreak on Thursday morning, saying: 'It's the stupidest thing I've ever done in my life'.

Despite posting a tribute tweet about the event just days before, the actress admitted that she hadn't thought about it when posting the picture, which alluded to a hangover.

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'Devastated': Helen Flanagan explains to viewers on Daybreak that the photo she posted holding a gun to her head was taken out of context

'I'm so upset': Helen Flanagan apologises on Daybreak after her gun-toting picture caused outrage on Twitter

'Stupidest thing I've ever done': The actress admitted that she tweeted the picture carelessly and takes responsibility for her actions

'It was just a completely out of context tweet, completely. I did the tweet and it was some different pictures in one and it was relating to a hangover,' she explained.

'I treated this picture completely carelessly, like it was the stupidest thing I’ve ever done in my life,' she added.

The former Coronation Street star was condemned as ‘stupid’ and ‘insensitive’ for tweeting the image of herself from an old photoshoot in a lacy black bra earlier this week when the first victims from the shooting were buried.

Explaining herself: Helen admitted that the picture and caption alluded to a hangover and she had and were taken out of context

Apologetic: Helen couldn't stop saying sorry on the ITV programme, admitting that she had been in the wrong

'It was just relating to a hangover that I had and then I tweeted it and I started getting all these reactions of, ‘how insensitive, how could you do this?’, and I just felt sick,' she said on Daybreak.

When asked by Kate Garraway whether she understood the public's reaction, she said:

'Absolutely, I absolutely hated myself for it. I am incredibly sorry and I couldn’t be more sorry. And I tweeted it completely out of context – it was just about this hangover and it was never, I mean I really do – my heart bleeds for all the families.'

'Feels sick': Helen told the Daybreak presenters that
she 'hated herself' fro posting the picture, but that she'd never want to hurt anyone

Presenter Kate then asked why Helen had thought it appropriate to pose with a gun for a photo shoot in the first place:

'It was in October, seven weeks before this happened. I sometimes forget – none of my friends are in the public eye and I kind of forget that I am in the public eye and I will take more responsibility and realise that I have to be more careful.

'I'm seen as a role model and I will definitely learn a lesson from this but I am truly, truly sorry.'

'So humiliating': Helen admitted that she felt 'devastated' by what has happened and that she's learn from it

Hundreds took to social networking sites to criticise the 22-year-old before she removed the offending image and the caption ‘Head ****’.

At first, Helen appeared unable to understand why people were so upset at her actions.

She accused her critics of bullying her, tweeting: ‘I am absolutely disgusted in this. Completely cruel. I will absolutely NOT stand for this kind of bullying.’

Hours later she issued a statement admitting she had ‘posted the picture without thinking’ and accepted it was a huge error.

Tasteless: Helen Flanagan has caused a backlash after posting this 'insensitive' photo of herself holding a gun to her head on the same day the first victims of the Sandy Hook massacre are laid to rest

Anti-gun groups accused her of glamorising violence and questioned her judgment in posing for the pictures in the first place.

Lyn Costello, from Mothers Against Murder And Aggression, said: ‘One can only assume from this picture and the timing of Miss Flanagan’s decision to post it on Twitter that she is either incredibly stupid or completely insensitive.

‘Historically, we have seen that guns are neither sexy nor glamorous, and to seek to display them as such is completely irresponsible. If this is a deliberate attempt to garner publicity, she should be thoroughly ashamed.’

Twitter apology: Helen wrote a length apology on her Twitter page before going on Daybreak on Thursday morning

Ahead of her appearance on Daybreak, Helen tweeted a lengthy apology to all of her followers, urging them to watch her on ITV.

'I am going on daybreak this morning to explain the cover of the sun newspaper yesterday which i was obviously completely shocked and truly sickened by,' she wrote

Helen first posted the image, from a series of lingerie photographs, in October.

She decided to publish it again on Monday – the day the first victims of the Sandy Hook shooting in Newtown, Connecticut, were buried. Twenty children, aged six and seven, and six adults were shot dead by 20-year-old Adam Lanza on Friday.

The stunt was immediately condemned by a relative of one of the victims who said: ‘It’s just ignorance when the eyes of the world are on what happened here. To be posing with a gun like that is insensitive and stupid.’

Outrage: She decide to share the image as the world is still in mourning over the tragedy but later opted to delete her tweet

Thoughtless: She originally posed for the glamorous shots in October but decided to repost the images on Monday evening

The actress has seen her profile rise in recent weeks as a result of her appearance in I’m A Celebrity last month.

She wasted no time stripping to her bikini to get in the camp shower – a scene that has become customary among the fame-hungry in the Australian TV jungle.

But Helen appeared only to irk viewers with her ditzy manner and hysterical screams.

After being one of the first to leave the jungle, Miss Flanagan revealed she has suffered bipolar disorder and attention deficit disorder and considered taking her own life in the run-up to quitting Coronation Street last year.

'Cruel': Helen claimed she was being bullied, and admitted she was upset by the reaction to her picture

Last night Tory MP Patrick Mercer said: ‘Firearms are intrinsically dangerous so when you handle them you need to do so with respect, and flippancy is never ever sensible. Helen is a role model and should have thought of this before posing like this.’

In her statement yesterday, Miss Flanagan said: ‘I would like to sincerely apologise to the families of the victims of the Connecticut massacre and anyone else who I offended through the picture that I tweeted on Monday.

'I did not mean any offense and the picture was posted without thinking. This was a huge error of judgment on my behalf and as soon as I realised my error I removed the picture immediately.

‘Like the rest of the world, I have looked on in dismay at the tragic events that have unfolded in Connecticut and my thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families and friends.’

VIDEO Helen in tears on Daybreak after gun-to-head photo...





source:dailymail

By Daily Mail Reporter


Dressed down day: Helen Flanagan was pictured make-up free and with wild hair as she strolled through Manchester today


Just a week ago she vowed to tone down her provocative image in favour of a more demure look after facing criticism over her choice in attire.

And it appears as though Helen Flanagan, 21, is committed to her new look, stepping out today in Manchester looking almost unrecognisable.

On top of covering up her ample curves in a demure ensemble, the former Coronation Street star also went without her usual full face of make-up and super-styled hair.


Helen looked a little tired but showed off enviably flawless skin with her new natural look, and threw her hair up into a careless bun.

She is clearly relishing the freedom of going au naturel, tweeting over the weekend: 'No makeup days are the way forward.'

The actress wore skinny jeans, studded loafers, a fur jacket and leopard print scarf as she strolled through Manchester city centre.

Make-under: The former Coronation Street actress vowed to tone down her racy look after facing backlash from fans

Fans had become used to seeing Helen step out in ludicrously revealing outfits and over-the-top make-up over the last year.

But her about-face came after she faced criticism for a particularly low-cut and flesh-coloured Jean Paul Gaultier La Perla dress that her cleavage threatened to spill out of.

After seeing the pictures in the press Miss Flanagan tweeted that she felt 'embarrassed' and vowed to cover up from now on.


'Polo necks from now on': Helen told her followers on Twitter of her decision by posting before and after pictures last week

Helen wrote at the time: 'I cant lie I'm really embarrassed about my boobs.. I just wear whatever dress I think is prettiest x'

Then, in a bizarre way of proving her embarrassment, she tweeted a photo of herself in a floral top as she showed off her plump pout, staring seductively at the camera.

Soon after, she added another photo in a more demure, long-sleeved black top, saying: 'Polo necks for me from now on.'



source:dailymail

By Alanah Eriksen


Beach babe: Coronation Street star Helen Flanagan shows off her tanned and toned figure in a blue bikini as she holidays in Dubai


She's got a bit of extra time on her hands now that she's finished filming her last scenes for Coronation Street.

And Helen Flanagan epitomized a lady of leisure as she strutted around a beach in Dubai.

The 21-year-old showed off her fantastic curves in a blue string bikini, by Vix, giving an onlookers a treat.


Helen, who played Rosie Webster on the show, flaunted her ample cleavage and pert derriere in the skimpy Brazillian two-piece as she topped up her tan and had a go at paddle-boarding.

But never one to let her guard down, despite enjoying a sunny break, she kept on her massive gold hoop earrings as she splashed around in the sea, near her hotel, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa.


Standing out in the crowd: The 21-year-old lapped up the sun and attracted a few stares from some admiring onlookers

Can't go without my bling: Helen didn't bother taking her massive hoop earrings off as she took part in some paddle boarding

Her brunette locks were pulled back into a messy bun.

The look was in contrast to some of the comments Helen made last month, saying she was rather shy and reserved compared to Rosie.

She revealed that one of the reasons she did not enjoy playing the character was her catty nature.


Lady of leisure: The star quit the long-running soap to spend more time with her footballer boyfriend, Swansea's Scott Sinclair

Contrasting looks: Helen slips off a boat onto the shore as a man cutting a very different figure looks on

'When I'm acting, I like things to feel real, and I didn't like Rosie's bitchiness. I didn't enjoy playing that kind of character,' she told the Sunday Mirror.

'She went through a phase of being such a catty girl. As an actress you do the best job you can, but I didn't enjoy it because it didn't feel real.'

Helen, who filmed her last scenes for the soap in Manchester just before Christmas, has spent the past 12 years playing the once-shy little girl who has blossomed into a buxom young woman with her sights set on becoming a glamour model in London.


Outspoken: Helen revealed this month that one of the reasons she did not enjoy playing the character was her catty nature

In an interview last year Helen said that despite her differences with fame-hungry Rosie, she did have some good points.

'I can hide behind her. She's funny and sweet too. I didn't enjoy playing her when she went through a promiscuous phase. Luckily she shows more heart these days.

'But I'd give her some advice and tell her to calm down a bit,' she said. 'She is fiercely ambitious and worships power and money.'


source:dailymail

By Kirsty Mccormack


She may have moved back in with her parents and recently suffered from panic attacks, but it seems Helen Flanagan is feeling much better now.

The Coronation Street star was notably absent from her Twitter page all of last week but began tweeting once more yesterday morning after arriving home from a trip to Paris with boyfriend, Scott Sinclair.

And it seems the actress couldn't wait to start posting pictures of herself in the French capital.

Rather revealing: Actress Helen Flanagan tweeted this picture of herself in Paris

After tweeting: 'Bonjour mes amies! Just got back from Paris avec @Scotty_Sinclair,' the 21-year-old star promised her followers 'A few pics from Paris.... Xxx'

First up was a photo of her and her boyfriend aboard an open air bus in Paris sporting a pair of Chanel ear muffs.

But it seems winter wear wasn't the only item that Helen purchased on her holiday as she also showed off a gold Louis Vuitton masquerade mask that she says she bought to 'dress up' her new short hairstyle.

However the star couldn't resist tweeting a photograph of herself - as she is quite known for - and shocked followers by sharing a picture of her wearing an extremely low cut dress with the caption: 'Me in my Agent Provocateur Dress.'

Back to work: The Corrie star was on a location set last night as she filmed scenes with her onscreen sister, Sophie

The grey plunging neck line is rather typical of the young actress - who is often seen out and about in saucy outfits - but it came as a surprise following reports that she has been suffering from panic attacks and reportedly fled the Coronation Street set in August after filming semi-naked scenes.

It seems to have been a tough couple of weeks for the star as she moved back into her parent's home and admitted she may not renew her contract for the ITV1 soap next year.

Insiders claim that the shock career move could come as a result of Helen's recent experience with panic attacks with the actress saying: 'Anyone who has ever suffered from them knows they are very scary.'


'Lovely to be at work': Helen tweeted that she was back in the make-up chair as she filmed scenes for upcoming episodes of the ITV1 soap


But she seemed to be enjoying being back at work yesterday as she tweeted: 'In the make up chair now.... Lovely to be at work- nightshoot till midnight.'

Helen - who has played the character of Rosie Webster since she was nine years old - was seen filming scenes with her onscreen sister, Sophie - who is played by Brooke Vincent - at a coach station, as the younger sister prepares to flee Weatherfield with her girlfriend.


source:dailymail

By Alanah Eriksen


She grew up playing Rosie Webster on the soap, and her character even had her own spin-off series.

But Helen Flanagan is reportedly considering quitting Coronation Street because of her crippling panic attacks.

The 21-year-old, who started working on the show when she was nine, has told bosses she may not renew her contract when it comes up in March.

What now? Corrie actress Helen Flanagan, 21, who has played Rosie Webster since she was nine, will reportedly quit show because of panic attacks

She worried fans in August when she fled the set in tears while filming a semi-naked modelling scene and has spoken about her health problems since returning to the show in July following a three-month break.

Producer Phil Collinson is apparently a 'huge fan' of the star and will try and convince her to stay.

A source told the Sunday Mirror: 'It's no secret Helen has been struggling recently. She's been working hard and the stress has got to her.

Cute: Helen pictured as a nine-year-old with her on-screen mother Sally Webster, played by Sally Whiittaker

'Experiencing those panic attacks has really shaken her up badly.

'She has said she doesn't want to renew her contract. Corrie may have to face up to The Street without Rosie Webster.'

Two weeks ago, Helen spoke of the attacks, saying: 'Anyone who has ever suffered from them knows they are very scary.

'I did have one at work and everyone was very understanding but I didn’t know what might have caused it.

'I am trying to work out what triggers them so that I can start to deal with them and move forward.

'But I am starting to realise that they are more common than people think and that there are ways of dealing with them.'

Babies on the way? Helen is dating Swansea footballer Scott Sinclair, 22, and had admitted to feeling broody recently

The actress, who is dating Swansea footballer Scott Sinclair, 22, also sparked rumours she is planning to start a family recently.

Last month she spoke about feeling clucky when co-star Kym Marsh, who plays Michelle Connor, brought her baby daughter Polly on set.

She tweeted: 'I just love babies. if I had a baby I wud just stare and be like wow and want to cuddle forever. Not going to lie - broody lady.'

Helen starred in her own spinoff web series which sees Rosie in London, trying to make it big in the modelling world.

Hot stuff: Helen, pictured with on-screen boyfriend Ryan Thomas, starred in her own spinoff web series which saw Rosie try to make it big in the modelling world


source:dailymail

By Holly Thomas


After a stressful day at work, sometimes all a girl needs is a romantic evening out to feel better.

And it seems this is exactly what was on the cards for Coronations Street's Helen Flanagan last night.

The 21-year-old fled the Corrie set in tears while filming a semi-naked modelling scene over the weekend.

Moral support: Caring boyfriend Scott Sinclair had his hand on Helen Flanagan's knee as they stepped out in Mayfair last night


According to The Sunday Mirror, a Corrie source said that Helen, who plays local minx Rosie Webster in the soap, was being filmed from behind for a scene which involved her posing for a model agent.

The insider told The Sunday Mirror: 'The scene was filmed from behind to give the impression she might be topless.'

'There were quite a few people on set and it all got a bit much for her. Something upset Helen and she ran out in tears shouting that she couldn’t do the scene.'

Bearing up: Helen reportedly fled the Coronation Street set in tears over the weekend


There have been signs that work pressures are taking their toll on the star.
Helen recently tweeted: 'I miss my mum - been so busy with work.'

When a follower challenged her claims of being 'busy', Helen replied: 'Lol 8-8 filming days are.'

No wonder she was in need of a relaxing night.

Helen has clearly been showing the strain on the Corrie set, as the insider confirmed: 'She has been working really hard recently and may have been on edge because of all the filming.'

Worn out: Shattered Helen needed to forget about work


Helen's outfit choice for Sunday night's date was certainly an unusually conservative one for the star, who is known for her saucy ensembles.

The modest high-necked black blouse and skirt indicated that Helen, who was nominated in the Sexiest Females category in the 2011 Soap Awards, wasn't in the mood to draw too much attention to herself.

Let's hope that boyfriend Scott was able to cheer her up a little.


Usual self: Helen was her more cheerful self as she arrived for a Manchester vs Swansea match earlier this month


source:dailymail

By Daily Mail Reporter


Premiership princess: Corrie's Helen Flanagan arrives at the City of Manchester stadium to watch her boyfriend Scott Sinclair play for Swansea against the home side


During last season's Championship play-off game she was turned away when the security guards didn't recognise her.

But things have changed for Helen Flanagan who yesterday had no problem getting in to see her footballer boyfriend play.

The Coronation Street actress was given the VIP treatment at the City of Manchester stadium as she arrived to see Swansea's Scott Sinclair and his team take on the home side in their first game of the new Premiership season.


Helen, 21, was snapped in the reception area of Manchester City's stadium waiting to be ushered inside the ground.

She looked every inch the glamorous WAG from her cream coat with a fur-lined collar to her skinny jeans and towering nude heels.

And she looked delighted to be treated like the fully-fledged WAG that she now is as she was greeted warmly by female staff.

Warm welcome: Helen is greeted by stadium staff as she waits to be taken to her seat


Helen has been dating Swansea's Sinclair for almost a year after they met while the striker was on loan to Wigan from Chelsea and was living in Manchester.

However, any WAG worth their salt will have at least some knowledge of the beautiful game, and after Helen's Twitter comments about the match, she would do well to brush up on hers.

Helen, who plays Rosie Webster in the soap, watched as the Welsh side were thrashed 4-0 by City, but it would appear that she was watching a different game entirely.

You're letting me in? Helen looked surprised then delighted to be allowed through after she was turned away from a Swansea game two months ago


She wrote: 'Swansea really were amazing tonight. The first half we were totally having Man City.

'Seeing as we played the richest team we did unbelivable (sic). One thing I can defo say is Swansea are in the premier to stay.'

Comments which prompted one Tweeter to ask: 'You lost 4-0 were u watching the same game?'

Let's go! Helen holds out her arms as she is shown inside the stadium for Swansea's first Premiership game


Whatever opinions she had on the match, at least she was able to watch it without any hassle this time.

In June, she arrived at Wembley to watch Sinclair play for Swansea in the Championship play off against Reading.

Don't you know who I am? Helen argues with Wembley senior safety supervisors to try and be let back into the Swansea football match during June's play off against Reading


She left the stadium during the match but when she tried to get back in, staff supervisors didn’t recognise her and she was refused entry.

But some Corrie fans stepped up to defend her and after convincing staff she was who she said she was, they eventually escorted her back in and she managed to catch the end of the match, during which her boyfriend scored a hat-trick that has sent Swansea into the Premier League.

Off to a bad start: Sinclair is tackled by Manchester City's Micah Richards. Swansea went on to lose 4-0 on what was their Premiership debut


source:dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER

Beach babe: Helen Flanagan shows off her figure while holidaying in Mallorca with best friend Gemma Morris

It's a far cry from bleak Weatherfield, with Helen Flanagan looking sunkissed in the Spanish sun.

The Coronation Street actress swapped the dreary UK for a last-minute break in Mallorca.

The 21-year-old showcased her bikini body in a revealing two-piece as she topped up her tan.


Girls just wanna have fun: Helen and Gemma look jovial as they carry their lobster lilo above their heads


Despite her enviable figure, Helen still worries about her physique like the rest of the female species.

She wrote on Twitter today that she thought her bum looked big in her jeans and also revealed she has just joined a gym.

The soap star wrote: 'Had a lovely walk in the countryside really clears your head and went to the gym for the first time ever at the gym I joined 2 months ago.'

Helen, who plays Rosie Webster on the ITV1 series, jetted off for a continuation of her birthday celebrations from August 7 to stay at The Lindner Hotel.


Battle of the babes: Helen competes with friend Gemma in a mock fight with water shooters


A source told the Daily Star Sunday: 'Helen and best mate Gemma Morris decided they needed a bit of sun and booked their flights the night before.

'She had a great time with Gemma, it was a typical girlie holiday. They went to a spa, did lots of sunbathing and ate at nice restaurants.

'She’s having the time of her life at the moment and is really looking forward to what the next year brings.'


source: dailymail

By Daily Mail Reporter


Tight fit: Helen Flanagan stepped out in tight and unflattering jeggings as she arrived at the Corrie studios


She has been criticised for wearing some truly awful clothes in recent years.

And the fashion police should have been out in full force to arrest Helen Flanagan again yesterday as made yet another wardrobe mistake.

The Coronation Street actress was snapped arriving on set yesterday in some very tight and very unflattering jeggings.


And she didn't look very comfortable in the light blue, fake-denim legwear as she tottered from her car to the studios.

The jeggings - which have been an unlikely fashion hit - clung to her curves in all the wrong places and did nothing for her bottom as she gave the cameras a view form behind.

And if they weren't bad enough, she teamed them with bright orange wedged sandals, a white T-shirt and jacket and a cream handbag.

Helen also looked rather orange, the result of one too many spray tans.

Clingy: Helen looked as though she'd had trouble getting into the legwear as she tottered into work


She even confirmed this as she took to her Twitter page two days ago after lunch with her footballer beau Scoot Sinclair.

She wrote: 'Sea bass and mozzarella and Rose wine at Alderly Edge bar and grill and my 3rd spray tan of the week.'

This promoted a couple of her followers to comment with one saying: '3rd spray tan? I've had one and I'm dark enough!.'

But clearly three fake tan sessions were not enough for the young actress, who wrote on her Twitter page last night: 'Just had my nails and tan done ready for photoshoot.'

Nice to meet you! Helen laughed along with a fan who had stopped her to get an autograph


Helen, who plays Rosie Webster in the soap, has just returned to the show after a three month sabbatical.

Today she will be in London filming her three-part spin-off show, Just Rosie, alongside co-star Ryan Thomas, who plays her boyfriend Jason Grimshaw.

The special episodes, which will air on ITV.com in September, will show Rosie attempting to launch a modelling career after she lands a job as a model on Lorraine Kelly's morning TV show.

But she ends up in a catfight with a rival which turns her into an internet sensation, she then appears as a guest on on Loose Women before being interviewed by Johnny Vaughan and Lisa Snowdon on Capital Radio.

See ya! Helen waves goodbye to the fan - and the cameras - as she heads into work


source:dailymail

By DAILY MAIL REPORTER


But I'm a WAG! Helen Flanagan argues with Wembley senior safety supervisors to try and be let back into the Swansea football match


Helen Flanagan might be a premiership WAG now, but staff supervisors at Wembley didn’t recognise the Coronation Street star at her boyfriend’s match yesterday.

The 20-year-old actress went to watch Scott Sinclair play for Swansea in yesterday’s play off against Reading, but was refused entry into the stadium.


She's on Corrie! Fans stepped in to tell security who she is


The star, who plays Rosie Webster in Corrie, left the stadium during the match and when she tried to return, security staff didn’t want to let her back in.

Fans stepped up to defend Sinclair’s girlfriend though and after convincing staff she was who she said she was, they eventually escorted her back in.

Luckily she managed to catch the end of the match, during which her boyfriend scored a hat-trick that has sent Swansea into the Premier League.


Thanks guys! Helen finally talked her way into their good books and was let back into the match


The 22-year-old footballer has been dating 20-year-old Flanagan for 18 months.
They met while the striker was on loan to Wigan from Chelsea and was living in Manchester.

But it seems the WAG hasn’t become as well-known yet as fellow footballer’s girlfriends by stadium staff.


Happy couple: Helen Flanagan and Scott Sinclair on a date in Manchester in April this year


Man of the match: Scott Sinclair of Swansea celebrates after scoring



Co-stars: Helen seen out last week in Manchester with her Corrie co-star Brooke Vincent


source: dailymail