Helen Flanagan marked a major personal and professional milestone this week as she celebrated her 35th birthday in show-stopping style, while also preparing to step into a lucrative new stage role later this year.
The former Coronation Street star and I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! alum left fans in awe after sharing a series of glamorous photos on Instagram, where she posed confidently in a shimmering gold thong bodysuit to mark the occasion.
The bold look, paired with flawless makeup and her signature blonde waves, quickly drew praise from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
Taking to social media, Helen reflected candidly on both her birthday and her journey so far.
In her caption, she embraced what she described as her “Queen Leo energy,” while expressing gratitude for her life, her children, and her career achievements.
“Loved my 30s so far so much, feel very blessed,” Helen wrote.
She went on to share a heartfelt message about motherhood and personal growth, highlighting her three children — Matilda, Delilah, and Charlie — as her greatest joys.
“I got my beautiful dream boy Charlie. I got to watch Matilda grow into the most amazing little girl and my precious darling Delilah,” she added. “I did lots of things in my career that I wanted to do, achieved things I wanted to do, and did a hell of a lot of growing.”
Helen also acknowledged that her thirties have not been without challenges, but made it clear she has no regrets.
“There’s been a fair share of heartache but I wouldn’t change anything,” she wrote, adding that living and loving fully is essential to her outlook on life.
Looking ahead, the actress said she feels excited and empowered as she prepares to “write the last half” of her thirties.
The post was met with an outpouring of love in the comments section.
Former Coronation Street co-star Brooke Vincent, who played her on-screen sister Sophie Webster, commented affectionately, “My princess always.”
Fans echoed similar sentiments, with many praising Helen’s confidence, beauty, and honesty. “You look stunning! Happy birthday,” one follower wrote, while another added, “Happy birthday beautiful.”
Beyond the birthday celebrations, Helen also has plenty to look forward to professionally.
It was recently revealed that she has secured a high-profile and well-paid role in this year’s festive pantomime season — a popular and often lucrative opportunity for established TV stars.
Helen is set to appear in Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena, where she will take on the role of the Evil Stepmother.
The show is scheduled to run from December 12 to December 28, and is expected to attract large audiences during the busy Christmas period.
A source close to the production said Helen is “thrilled” to be returning to the stage and eager to embrace the theatrical side of the iconic villain.
“Helen is excited for panto season and can’t wait to get into character,” the insider shared. “She’s a brilliant actress and knows how to put on a show.”
The source also noted that pantomime roles are known to be financially rewarding, particularly for well-known soap stars.
“Celebrities and soap actors make good money doing panto, and many see it as both great fun and a welcome boost to their income,” they added.
While the festive season will bring career success, it will also come with emotional challenges. Helen has previously spoken openly about the realities of co-parenting her three children with ex-partner Scott Sinclair.
Due to the distance between their homes — with Scott based in Bath and Helen living in North Manchester — the arrangement requires significant coordination.
In a recent interview, Helen revealed that she will not be spending Christmas Day with her children this year, admitting the situation is “really difficult.”
She explained that long-distance co-parenting has been part of their lives since their youngest son was born, but stressed that both she and Scott strive to keep arrangements fair.
“We’re very fair with each other,” Helen said. “I try to be fair with Scott, and he tries to be fair with me.
This Christmas, I won’t have the kids, and that’s hard — but it’s part of how we make things work.”
As Helen steps into her mid-thirties, she appears to be embracing a new chapter defined by confidence, reflection, and ambition.
From celebrating her birthday in bold fashion to landing a major stage role and speaking honestly about motherhood, Helen Flanagan continues to connect with fans through both glamour and authenticity.