Actress Helen Flanagan has sparked fury from Celebs Go Dating fans after she dropped a huge bombshell in the latest episode.
Former Coronation Street star Flanagan, 34, has been taking part in the current series of the dating show which sees a team of experts help single celebrities find a partner – but it seems she isn’t actually single.
In a shock admission on Tuesday’s episode of the E4 reality show and following a number of dates arranged through the show, Flanagan explained she had a long-term boyfriend waiting for her at home.
“I did meet someone at home, at the beginning of the year,” she told her stunned co-stars.
Co-star Stephen Webb fumed: “Are you taking the p***?” before the actress went on: “I really wanted to join the agency because I kind of felt like… Obviously, I was in a really long-term relationship.
“Not much dating experience. And I really wanted to do this for me. For me to grow, to find out more about myself.”
She continued: “But it’s really hard because there is somebody at home, like… I have fallen for.
“This is becoming quite difficult for me now because unfortunately I’m comparing everybody to him.
“And it’s making it very difficult now, when I’m dating.”
Agent Anna Williamson, who was shocked by the unexpected confession, later said to the cameras: “Pardon? You’ve got a boyfriend? Why on earth did she not tell us about this?”
Meanwhile, Dr Tara Suwinyattichaipor commented: “Wow. Interesting. So can I ask you a question… Why are you telling us now?”
“My feelings have just got stronger, and things have just got more intense,” Flanagan admitted.
She went on: “Yeah, I actually could see something with this guy at home. I mean something really quite lovely.
“But I think I am in love with him… And it’s just becoming quite difficult now.”
Expert Paul Carrick Brunson responded: “Just to be clear – you have a boyfriend, who you’re in love with? You’ve been dating him. Are those correct?”
After she nodded to confirm the facts, Carrick Brunson couldn’t hide his disappointment as he summed up: “So that means you lied to us…”
Fans were quick to accuse the actress of simply wanting to be back on screens, with one writing on social media: “Hun just say you wanted to be on telly again.”
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“Who is her boyfriend? I am confused. She was snogging Luke and crying over David Haye other day,” another remarked.
“Not impressed at all! Not even single, not genuine and clearly there for the limelight…” someone else fumed.
“She’s just made a total fool of herself and her ‘boyfriend’ if this is the case! Never liked her anyway but come on, it’s a joke!” a fourth added.
“So basically just went on for the money,” someone else predicted, with another adding: “Shes just after more money and fame.” (sic)
Speaking to OK!, a spokesperson for Celebs Go Dating commented: “During the filming of Celebs Go Dating, the executive producers discovered that Helen Flanagan was in a relationship outside of the CGD process.
“Once this came to light, Helen was asked to be transparent with the agents and her fellow celebrities during her next filming day. As per the show’s guidelines, all participating celebrities must be single.
“After discussing the situation, it was decided that Helen and her partner, Robbie, would meet with the agents to assess their compatibility, and Helen would no longer date members of the public. These developments will be featured on the show starting from episode 10.”
