'Losing sight of Matilda was the worst feeling'

Actress Helen Flanagan opens up about keeping her three kids safe, juggling childcare and her dream job

- EVE MACDONALD

Every parent’s worst nightmare is losing their child when out and about – and Helen Flanagan knows exactly how that feels.

Following a fraught trip to the supermarket, the former Corrie star tells new she’s taking extra precautions when it comes to her children’s safety.

Helen shares Matilda, seven, Delilah, four, and Charlie, two, with their footballer dad Scott Sinclair, who she has split from after 13 years together.

Revealing why safety is a priority when it comes to her kids, the 32-year-old gives us an insight into motherhood, how she finds co-parenting, and what fans can expect next from her…

Hi, Helen. We hear you had a terrible moment, losing track of one of the children. What happened?

I was in a supermarket with Matilda and I must have turned my back for one second. I just remember having that horrible, sinking feeling [when she wandered off]. I always keep my eyes on my kids, but I couldn’t see her for about one minute. There’s nothing worse than that – it is the worst, worst, worst feeling in the world. I can’t explain it. 

Did it feel like the longest minute of your life? 

Absolutely! 

You must have felt so relieved when you spotted her again. Did it make you more alert and keen to put steps in place so it doesn’t happen again? 

Yes, I drill it into my kids. I say, “You do not run away from Mummy,” and, ‘You always stay with me.” They are good with that. I think you always need eyes in the back of your head when it comes to kids – that’s part of your job.