Helen Flanagan talks about her experiences with obsessive compulsive disorder and hyperemesis gravidarum that nearly derailed her motherhood journey on ITV

Helen Flanagan has spoken candidly about some of the most challenging moments of her life, revealing that her pregnancies brought her two “absolutely horrendous” health struggles.

The former Coronation Street star, 35, appeared on Lorraine today (February 9) to discuss her new memoir, Head & Heart, where she delves into both physical and mental health battles she endured.

During the emotional interview, Helen reflected on how these experiences left her feeling “crippled” at times, shedding light on the hidden struggles many women face during and after pregnancy.

Coping with OCD During Motherhood

One of the challenges Helen shared was her ongoing battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Lorraine noted that OCD can feel debilitating, and Helen agreed wholeheartedly.

“I’ve actually struggled with OCD since I was really young,” she said.

“It really hit me hard after I had my first daughter, Matilda. I was so poorly, I ended up going to the Priory as an outpatient.”

Helen explained that reading Bryony Gordon’s book helped her understand her condition.

“I remember thinking, ‘This is what it is, I’ve got OCD.’ That realization was such a huge comfort to me. I haven’t got all the answers, but I’ve written a lot about it in my book.”

Mental health struggles during motherhood are not uncommon, but Helen’s openness helps highlight how these challenges can coexist with the joy of welcoming a child.

Battling Hyperemesis Gravidarum Three Times

Helen also revealed that she experienced hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), an extreme form of pregnancy sickness that goes far beyond the usual morning sickness.

According to the NHS, HG can involve severe nausea and vomiting, dehydration, and weight loss, sometimes requiring hospitalization.

“It was horrendous,” Helen recalled.

“The only way I got through it was with my mum. She was so amazing.”

Remarkably, Helen experienced HG in all three of her pregnancies.

“I must’ve been mad to do it three times,” she joked, though her tone was serious about the condition’s intensity.

“If any women are struggling with this, my heart really is with them. You never think it’s going to get better. It really is awful.”

Behind the Scenes on Coronation Street

Helen didn’t just focus on her health in her memoir—she also shared some candid stories from her career.

She recounted clashes with cast members on Coronation Street, describing how the set became a place of exclusion when she returned in 2017.

“There were cliques amongst the cast, and I often felt left out,” she said.

“It was like real-life Mean Girls. Another actress could be sarcastic and cold toward me, maybe because my return had attracted press attention.

I couldn’t control that, but it made me feel quite uncomfortable.”

She also opened up about a feud with TV presenter Yvette Fielding, who Helen claimed “absolutely detested” her during the filming of Celebrity Super-Spa in 2013, even calling her “evil” at one point.

Feud Turned Friendship with Ryan Thomas

Helen also wrote about her on-screen and off-screen relationship with former co-star Ryan Thomas, who played Jason Grimshaw on Coronation Street.

While their characters had a romance, Helen admitted they clashed in real life.

“Ryan was often grumpy and never knew his lines,” she revealed.

“We weren’t on the best of terms, but over the years, we’ve moved in similar circles and actually become good friends.

I’ve got a lot of time for him and his brothers, Adam and Scott. They’re good lads.”

What’s Next for Helen Flanagan?

With the release of Head & Heart, Helen is embracing honesty and vulnerability, using her platform to shed light on both personal health struggles and the complexities of life in the spotlight.

Fans can expect her to continue speaking openly about motherhood, mental health, and the realities of working in the entertainment industry.

Summary

Helen Flanagan’s interview on Lorraine was a deeply personal look at the challenges she has faced.

From grappling with OCD after the birth of her first daughter to enduring severe hyperemesis gravidarum across three pregnancies, she has faced physical and mental hurdles with resilience.

On top of this, she candidly explored the highs and lows of her acting career, including feuds with colleagues and navigating cliques on set.

Ultimately, Helen’s memoir Head & Heart promises a raw, honest, and reflective account of her life, offering both empathy and insight to her readers.