Soapstar Helen Flanagan broke down in tears while addressing rumours that she was in a "throuple" with former boxer David Haye.

The 34-year-old, who grew up in Bolton, opened up about the allegations on Channel 4 reality show, Celebs Go Dating.

Helen, who went to school in Bromley Cross and is best known for playing Rosie Webster on Coronation Street, dismissed the rumours of her being in a "throuple", a romantic relationship between three people, with the former world champion boxer and his girlfriend.

But said she did have a "situationship", a romantic or intimate relationship that lacks clear definitions or commitments, with him.

The mum-of-three broke down in tears on the show and said she felt “really lonely” after breaking up with ex-fiancé, footballer Scott Sinclair, in 2022.

Helen Flanagan Helen Flanagan (Image: Instagram/@celebsgodating, Channel 4)

She told the show’s relationship expert, Tara Suwinyattichaiporn, and dating agent, Anna Williamson, that she met David on reality show I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here.

She said: “Scott and I broke up and I had zero interest in men.

"It got to around nine months and I was thinking, ‘Wow I am actually really lonely now and I miss a man’s touch’.

“I ended up in a situationship with David. I knew him for around 10 years and we were in the [I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here] jungle together. I remember the first time I saw him I was just like ‘wow who is that!?’.”

Helen said David was in an open relationship, a romantic or sexual relationship where people have permission to be involved with others outside of the relationship, with his girlfriend.

Helen said she felt guilty about “falling in love with David”, despite his girlfriend being aware of their relationship.

She said: “It’s quite hard for me to talk about. He had a girlfriend and he had an open relationship. I didn’t mean to fall in love with him but I did.

"We had an amazing connection and we were like fire together. He loves his girlfriend and I think he loved me as well.

David HayeDavid Haye (Image: Ian West/PA)

“It brings me to a part in my life that was quite dark.”

Anna said: “At the time it was reported that it was a ‘throuple’ and that is something it sounds like it wasn’t.”

Helen clarified they were not in a "throuple" and said: “I was in love with the man. I wouldn’t have enjoyed watching the man I was in love with have sex with another woman, that’s not for me.

“I [had communication with his girlfriend]. I felt very guilty and didn’t feel nice about it at all. It really upsets me because I am a nice girl and I don’t mean to hurt anybody.

“I was just really lonely and I found it really hard. If you sleep with someone for quite a long time you do fall in love with them.

"I was just lonely and it just happened. I feel really guilty about it.”

The Channel 4 reality show sees celebrities go on dates with civilians to try and strike up a romantic relationship with them.

Former Gogglebox star Stephen Webb, Married At First Sight UK's Ella Morgan, Love Island star Chris Taylor, Tristan Phipps from Made in Chelsea, and actress and singer Jamelia, are also on the show.

You can catch up on previous episodes on: www.channel4.com.