Helen Flanagan defiantly poses in purple bikini after being cruelly trolled for her weight
HELEN Flanagan has sent a powerful message of body confidence to her critics by showing off her curves in a revealing purple bikini.
This week the former Coronation Street actress was trolled for supposedly gaining weight, after a slew of followers suggested that she looks ‘pregnant’.
But now in a series of bikini snaps, the 34-year-old has proved that they couldn’t be more wrong, as she showcased her enviable physique in the lilac and topaz-coloured swimwear.
Earlier this week the actress and model shared a statement of defiance on her social media, in response to the online abuse.
She said: “I am a size 6, if I’ve started to put on weight it’s because I am happier in myself and I am not worked up all the time so eating more.”
She then added: “ I am really proud of my body, its given me three beautiful children.”
Helen, 34 recently appeared on E4’s Celebs Go Dating, where she introduced her new boyfriend, Robbie Talbot, 44.
Speaking on the ITV Lorraine show, Helen put out rumours that she was already dating Robbie long before her appearance on the E4 show, as she said the interaction between them was genuine.
She told Lorraine Kelly, 64, “I signed up for the show at the beginning of the year, and we [she and Robbie] were dating.
“It just progressed.
“I wear my heart on my sleeve and I just wanted to come clean.”
She added: “I wanted to be true to myself.
“I am a big fan of the show, I love the show, and I wanted to get the most from the show.
“I wanted to be honest.”
Helen had signed up to the show following her split with ex the footballer, Scott Sinclair, 34.
The pair share and co-parent their three children.