Helen Flanagan has confirmed that she was given the opportunity to appear on Strictly Come Dancing during her post-Corrie career.
Helen Flanagan has opened up about the real reason behind her decision to decline the chance to appear on Strictly Come Dancing.
The former Coronation Street star, 35, is no stranger to reality TV, having taken part in shows like ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, which returns to screens in just a few days.
In an exclusive interview with the Daily Star, in partnership with WhichBingo, the actress reflected on her career and spoke about her excitement at the idea of doing Strictly.
Although she was keen to show off her dance skills on the iconic ballroom floor, Helen revealed she had previously been offered a spot on the show — but ultimately decided to pass on it.
Sharing the true reason behind her choice, she explained: “I was offered it (Strictly) but I chose the jungle instead. In a way, I think it was obviously the right decision. You know, you can never have regrets.”
She continued: “I guess, even though I wasn’t great in the jungle — I mean, I wasn’t terrible, but I was useless at the trials — it kind of helped make a name for me, if that makes sense.”
Thirteen years later, the actress is now keen to take part in the BBC dancing show, admitting: “I would absolutely love to do Strictly. I think everyone wants to do Strictly, don’t they? I would adore it.”
While chatting about the current line-up, the former soap star also shared a sweet message about one of the contestants, adding: “Vicky Pattison’s on it at the moment and I love, love Vicky.”
“I feel like, just like so many women, I adore Vicky. She’s such a champion for women, isn’t she? And she genuinely stands up for others. I’m a huge fan of everything she does.”
Opening up about her own health struggles, Helen continued: “I deal with PMDD, and it’s something that has a big impact on my life. I really value how openly Vicky discusses it, and she’s actually helped me personally with my own PMDD challenges.”
“I’m really cheering her on in Strictly and everything she does. And honestly, Strictly is just amazing — I’m such a girly girl, so I’d love any excuse to dress up.”
Helen appeared on ITV’s I’m A Celeb back in 2012, the same year she left Coronation Street — when she was only 22.
Looking back on her time in the jungle, she recalled: “I don’t think anything can really prepare you. I did the jungle when I was 22.”
“It’s one of the biggest shows in the UK, but I didn’t do any preparation at all. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I thought I’d just breeze through it, but I was completely clueless. Still, I absolutely loved the social side of it.”
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