Helen Flanagan, the 35-year-old former Coronation Street actress, shares intimate details of a near romance with TOWIE star James Argent in her new memoir, Head & Heart: Break-ups, Breakdowns and Being Rosie. The confession highlights a fleeting moment of attraction during their time together on the 2013 reality show Celebrity Super Spa.
The Spark on Celebrity Super Spa
Flanagan starred alongside Argent, celebrity chefs Rusty Lee and John Burton-Race, Shameless actor Jody Latham, and Most Haunted’s Yvette Fielding on the show. Rumors of a budding romance between Flanagan and Argent circulated at the time, fueled by their growing closeness. Producers reportedly encouraged the pair, suggesting they would make a strong couple.
In the memoir, Flanagan describes a tense encounter in her hotel room. “I was too mixed up over Scott and I didn’t even know if I actually fancied Arg although I did like him a lot,” she writes. “He definitely wasn’t my usual type – I usually went for sporty guys who were into their health and fitness whereas Arg would eat four Greggs sausage rolls for breakfast. I think he was probably more into me than I was him, but there was a brief moment of heat between us which felt… weird.”
She recounts lying on the bed as Argent stroked her back, sensing the situation could escalate. However, something held her back, and the moment passed without further development. Flanagan notes that Argent’s interest seemed stronger than hers, ultimately confirming he was not her type.
Reflections on Sexuality and Celebs Go Dating
Flanagan also opens up about her internal struggles with sexuality during her 2024 appearance on Celebs Go Dating. She discussed her thoughts on camera but later experienced significant anxiety over the potential broadcast. “The thought of this footage going out on national telly got me really depressed, like I’d massively let her down as a daughter,” she explains, referring to concerns about disappointing her mother.
Producers accommodated her request, carefully editing out the relevant scenes to respect her privacy. This decision came amid broader revelations on the show, where Flanagan admitted to having a secret boyfriend back home, Robbie Talbot.
Drama and Personal Relationships
Her confession on Celebs Go Dating caused controversy, as she had been dating Talbot while participating in the series. The revelation shocked her castmates and experts, leading to accusations of wasting time. Love guru Paul Brunson stated, “Helen has not only wasted our time, but all of the dates’ time. We need to hear the full truth of why she has kept this from us. And if we are not happy with her response, it is time for her to leave the agency.”
Flanagan responded by expressing her desire to remain in the agency for personal growth, saying, “I know I can’t date but I would like to maybe stay in the agency and still have a bit of maybe therapy. For myself.” She later confirmed her feelings for Talbot, telling the group, “I think I am in love with him.”
Following her 2022 split from fiancé Scott Sinclair, with whom she shares three children—Matilda, nine; Delilah, six; and Charlie, four—Flanagan began dating the 45-year-old former non-league footballer. The couple went public in 2024 but parted ways in May 2025.
