Flanagan won’t appear in rival soap

Helen Flanagan insists she will never audition for a role in a rival soap to 'Coronation Street'.

The actress, who played Rosie Webster in the ITV programme for 12 years, claims she is too loyal to go for a part in 'EastEnders' or 'Emmerdale' and is now looking to try her hand at theatre instead.

She said: "I wouldn't go in a rival soap. I probably wouldn't have had the opportunities I've had if it wasn't for 'Coronation Street'.

"I'd been there since I was a child, so I wouldn't do that. I have loyalty to the show."

She went on to explain: "I want to do something completely different to Rosie. I'd like to do theatre, a drama or a comedy. I'm really focused on my acting and I want to get back into it and concentrate on auditioning."

Helen Flanagan

The 23-year-old beauty, who has taken up modelling since leaving the soap in February 2012, said she needed to "get out" and pursue other options.

Although she didn't watch the National Television Awards on Wednesday as she was too busy moving back in with soccer player boyfriend Scott Sinclair, who she split from last year, she was glad 'Coronation Street' won Best Serial Drama.

"I'd been in 'Coronation Street' for so long, I just needed to get out and do different things.

"You miss quite a lot, like spending time with your friends, but I'm still in touch with the cast."