While most people head to a bingo night for a bit of fun, for Helen Flanagan, the event might have symbolized more than just entertainment.
The former Coronation Street star was all smiles as she showed up at the Which Bingo Awards in Gibraltar — but behind that smile lies a wave of recent financial stress that has led her to put her beloved home up for sale.
Trying Her Luck as Money Worries Loom
The 34-year-old TV personality turned heads in a leopard print wrap dress and black heels, radiating glamour as she posed for pictures and even spoke on stage.
She appeared cheerful and upbeat, even posing with Bucks Fizz legend Cheryl Baker, 71, who sparkled in a white sequin mini dress.
But the night out comes just days after Helen admitted to being “broke” and confirmed that she’s had to put her £1.5 million “forever home” on the market following her split from footballer ex-fiancé Scott Sinclair.
Selling the Dream Home She Once Poured Her Heart Into
The six-bedroom detached property, located just outside Bolton, has officially gone up for sale.
Spread across three floors and more than 5,000 square feet, it’s described as a “beautifully presented detached family residence” — complete with designer touches like a grand piano, underfloor heating, and luxury en-suite bathrooms.
It’s also packed with reminders of Helen’s once-lavish lifestyle: Chanel and YSL bags, trendy clothes, and glamorous accessories fill one of the living room areas, which the listing says gives the home a “wow factor.”
A Pricey Past and Uncertain Future
Helen originally bought the house in June 2021 for £840,000, and if it sells near the £1.5 million asking price, it would technically bring in a decent profit.
But here’s the twist — land registry documents show the home is still registered in both her and Scott Sinclair’s names, raising questions about who would benefit financially.
From the estate agent photos, it seems Helen is still living there with her three children — Matilda, nine, Delilah, six, and Charlie, three — as the bedrooms are full of kids’ belongings.
Financial Struggles After Breakup
Helen hasn’t shied away from being open about her financial situation.
After her split from Scott, she revealed she was struggling to make ends meet.
At one point, she even said she barely had enough money to cover a £10 taxi fare to get her son to nursery.
During a court appearance earlier this year over a speeding offence, she told magistrates that she was “really struggling financially” and pleaded not to lose her driver’s license.
Despite her pleas, the court banned her from driving for six months.
She told the court, “I’m a single mum. I live in the middle of the moors. My job really is being a mum at home.
I’ve got just enough in my account to pay my tax, mortgage, and a bit of tea.”
A Peek at the Numbers Behind Her Business
Though Helen has claimed to be skint, her company HJF Darling Ltd still appears to be pulling in some income.
According to official filings, the company had retained earnings of £75,615 last year — a small increase from the year before — but also paid over £58,000 in taxes and social security.
Interestingly, she also had to let go of her only employee last year, and is now the sole director and staff member of her business.
Saying Goodbye to the House That Became Her Sanctuary
Speaking candidly on The Declutter Hub podcast, Helen admitted she was sad about leaving the home she had invested so much in.
“I put loads of my savings into making it look really beautiful.
It’s eight bedrooms, which is hard to keep on top of — it’s a lot,” she shared.
She said the house move feels like the end of a chapter.
“It makes me sad that I’m going to be leaving this house soon… It will feel weird, but more manageable for me.”
Not Sure Where to Call Home Next
Despite putting the home up for sale, Helen confessed she hasn’t decided where she’ll go next.
“I’ve always wanted to live in London, but the price difference is just massive,” she said.
“It would be amazing for work, though, and I do want a change.”
Her new boyfriend, Robbie Talbot, lives in Liverpool with his two kids, while she co-parents her three children with Scott.
Wherever she ends up, Helen seems to be embracing change with hope and optimism.
Embracing Change After a Heavy Few Years
Helen’s been through a whirlwind — a public breakup, financial setbacks, and now a major house move. But she’s taking it all in stride.
“It’s been a heavy few years for me, so it will be a lovely fresh change,” she said.
She might be downsizing, but it sounds like Helen’s looking forward to what’s next — whatever that may be.