Helen Flanagan became emotional as she finally opened up about her past relationship with David Haye, revealing a deeply personal and painful chapter of her life that she now describes as a “dark period.” Speaking candidly in interviews and on television, the former Coronation Street star did not hold back as she reflected on the emotional toll the romance took on her, admitting that she lost a sense of self-worth while trying to hold on to someone she loved.
Helen and David’s connection dates back to 2012 when they both appeared on I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!. Although they only became romantically involved years later, their relationship quickly became the subject of public scrutiny. At the time, David was in an open relationship with his girlfriend, Sian Osborne, which led to widespread rumors that the three were involved in a so-called “throuple.” Helen has consistently denied this, insisting that her relationship was solely with David and that she had no interest in being romantically involved with both him and Sian.
In a tearful recollection, Helen spoke about one particular moment that now fills her with regret. She revealed that she once bought David a luxury Cartier watch for his birthday, a gesture she now describes as “embarrassing” and driven by a desperate desire to be loved properly. As she spoke about it, she broke down in tears, questioning her own actions and admitting that she had gone to great lengths in the hope of securing genuine affection. For her, the gift symbolized how far she had strayed from valuing herself, as she tried to prove her worth in a relationship that ultimately left her feeling emotionally drained.
Reflecting on that time, Helen did not shy away from criticizing herself. She described the relationship as “toxic” and acknowledged that she had been caught in a cycle of longing and emotional dependency. Despite knowing about David’s unconventional relationship with Sian, she admitted that her feelings for him were too strong to ignore. “I’m not a prude,” she explained elsewhere, “but I’ve never been into that—it was David I liked.” Her words highlight the internal conflict she experienced, torn between her own boundaries and the intensity of her emotions.
The relationship came to an end in December 2023, but its impact lingered. During her appearance on Celebs Go Dating in 2024, Helen revisited the experience and again became emotional. She confessed that she had not intended to fall in love with David, but their connection felt powerful and undeniable. “We were like fire together,” she said, describing the passion that drew them together despite the complicated circumstances.
At the same time, she admitted feeling a deep sense of guilt, particularly toward Sian. Helen explained that loneliness had played a significant role in her decisions, making her more vulnerable and more likely to stay in a situation that was not healthy for her. She acknowledged how difficult it had been to navigate her feelings, especially when the relationship blurred emotional boundaries. “If you sleep with someone for quite a long time, you do fall in love with them,” she said, emphasizing how her attachment developed over time.
Meanwhile, David has recently faced backlash following his return to I’m a Celebrity for a special South Africa edition. Comments he made about women, including controversial remarks about appearance and personality, sparked criticism both from viewers and fellow contestants. His statements about “ugly duckling syndrome” and personality traits were widely condemned as sexist and offensive. Campmates such as Scarlett Moffatt and Beverley Callard openly challenged his views, calling them outdated and inappropriate.
For Helen, however, the focus remains on her own journey of reflection and healing. By speaking openly about her past, she has shed light on the emotional struggles she endured and the lessons she has learned. Her willingness to admit that she acted out of loneliness and a deep desire for love adds a layer of vulnerability to her story. She has made it clear that she now recognizes the importance of self-respect and emotional boundaries—things she feels she sacrificed during that difficult period.
Ultimately, her tearful confession is not just about regret, but also about growth. By confronting the mistakes she believes she made, Helen is reclaiming her narrative and encouraging others to reflect on their own relationships. Her story serves as a reminder that even in moments of weakness, there is an opportunity to learn, rebuild, and move forward with a stronger sense of self.
