Helen Flanagan found it difficult being without her children on Christmas Eve, calling it ‘so unnatural.’ Her three children spent the holidays with their father, Scott Sinclair.
The couple, a 35-year-old soap opera actress and a 36-year-old footballer from Bristol Rovers, separated in 2022 after being together for 13 years. They continue to co-parent their three children: 10-year-old Matilda, seven-year-old Delilah, and four-year-old Charlie.
This Christmas, the kids were with Scott while Helen was performing as Snow White in a pantomime in Liverpool.
The actress has shared that she finds it difficult being away from her children, and admitted that sharing parenting duties, especially during the holidays, can be challenging.
On Saturday, she shared a sad message on TikTok about the split, but emphasized that the decision was made with their children’s best interests at heart and that she has always supported their connection with Scott.
She filmed herself looking sad in bed, sitting in the dark. A slow, sad version of Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You” played softly in the background.



Helen wrote in her post: ‘It feels really strange not having my children with me on Christmas Eve, especially as a mom.’
I had a wonderful Christmas with my family and friends. While I did miss them, my focus was on making it special for the children, and I’ve always supported their relationship with their father.
Sending heartfelt wishes to everyone navigating the holidays while co-parenting. It’s tough, and I don’t love that term, but it’s not always easy. ❤️
Helen admitted she’s had mixed emotions about being separated from her children for more than two weeks while performing as the Wicked Queen in a pantomime running from December 12th to 28th.
She shared photos of her Christmas with family, including sweet moments with her nieces and nephews. However, she also posted older pictures of Matilda, Delilah, and Charlie, revealing she was thinking of them and missed spending the holiday with them this year.
She recently shared with her Instagram followers that she’s been experiencing some mood swings lately, which is why she hasn’t been very active on social media. She wanted to give everyone an update on how she’s been doing, especially when it comes to co-parenting.
I found it hard emotionally when my kids left for their Christmas visit a few days before they departed. I realize it’s only for a day, but they left on the 22nd and I won’t see them again until after my pantomime performances are finished.
I had a really nice Christmas, though it was definitely different without my children. Luckily, I got to spend time cuddling my niece and nephews, which was wonderful.


@hjgflanagan1
It felt strange not having my children with me on Christmas Eve, especially as their mom. I did have a lovely Christmas with my family and friends, and while I missed my kids, I know it’s important to prioritize their happiness. I’ve always supported their relationship with their father. Sending love to all those who share parenting responsibilities – it’s not always easy, particularly around the holidays. ❤️
♬ original sound – dilzaa._
Helen shared a photo of her three children and explained that while she missed them, her focus is on their well-being. She’s always supported their relationship with their father.
My children know how much I love them, and I have a close relationship with each of them. Their happiness is my top priority.
The actress from Corrie shared that she hasn’t even been able to video call her children while they’ve been away, because of a strained relationship with her ex-partner, Scott.
She said she hasn’t video called the children since they left because she and their father aren’t on good terms and don’t communicate like that.
I believe this is the best arrangement for the kids, particularly Charlie, who might get sad and miss me. They won’t be gone long, though – it’ll feel like no time at all before they’re back.
She finished by saying she’s giving her oldest daughter a phone for Christmas now that she’s starting secondary school, making it easier for them to stay in touch when she’s out and about.
I loved seeing Scott’s Instagram posts over the holidays! He really seemed to be enjoying quality time with his kids. There were some adorable photos of them all playing in a forest and having fun at an ice rink – it was so heartwarming to see!
In a video, Scott is shown holding Delilah’s hand while they skate, with Charlie safely riding in a skating support seat and Matilda skating ahead independently.



He then posted a lovely photo to his Stories showing his children opening gifts, and another one of the family happily eating Christmas dinner together.
‘Merry Christmas everyone, thankful for love, family and all the little moments,’ he penned.
People believe he and Helen are no longer close, and she’s reportedly blocked him on social media, communicating only through family members.
She recently called her ex-partner a very offensive name on Instagram and publicly criticized him last week for prioritizing a trip to Abu Dhabi over attending their child Charlie’s nativity play.
She shared on Instagram how grateful she is to her mother, who has been essentially taking care of her children while she performs in a pantomime in Liverpool.
She shared a photo of her mother, Julia, with her son, Charlie, and wrote a message expressing her gratitude. She explained that her mom has been taking care of her kids for the last two months while she’s been busy with work.
I’m so incredibly lucky to have you as my mum – you’re the best grandma ever! Thank you for everything – all the school trips, activities, homework help, and even the endless laundry. I love you so much!

People familiar with the situation say they understand why Helen spoke out against her former partner. Meanwhile, Scott is reportedly enjoying a period of singledom and focusing on himself following his breakup with Lauren Davies, 32.
According to a source, since his breakup with Lauren, Scott has been distant from his children and frequently flaunts his money on social media.
While Scott has been having fun at events like the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Helen has been busy juggling a full-time job performing in a pantomime with her family responsibilities.
Helen and Lauren seemed to have a good relationship, and Helen wanted everyone to get along. However, after they broke up, things quickly fell apart, with Helen and Scott now blocking each other and only speaking through family members.
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2025-12-28 14:34