The former Corrie star who grew up in Bolton was at Waterstones in Manchester today to promote her memoir Head & Heart: Break-ups, Breakdowns and Being Rosie.
The actress, model, TV personality and writer first took up the role of as Rosie Webster in January 2000 at the age of nine, growing up alongside the character, who is the same age as she is.
Helen will this evening be performing as Catherine in the The Memory of Water, describing her upcoming performance at the Octagon theatre as a ‘dream come true’.
There was a long queue outside of waterstones of people waiting to meet Helen (Image: Dan Dougherty)
Helen said: “I’m really excited for the performance, I’ve been enjoying it so much.
“I’m a little bit nervous, but nervous like adrenaline – it’s different to TV because on TV you can have another go if you get something wrong!”
There was a generous crowd of people outside the Arndale Waterstones waiting for Helen to arrive, all clutching copies of Head & Heart for Helen to sign.
Fan Robert Garvey said: “I’m a big Coronation Street fan – I’ve been watching it for about 25 years.”
“You’ve made me feel really old now!” added fellow fan Rowenna Daniels.
Fans Rowenna Daniels and Robert Garvey (Image: Dan Dougherty)
Helen described her new book as ‘honest’ and ‘truthful’, but said it still retains a sense of fun and good humour.
Helen said: “I speak my truth, that’s really important to me.
“There’s a lot about mental health, motherhood, life on Coronation Street, boyfriends!
“But it’s fun as well – it’s got that good Northern style of humour.”
Helen signed copies of books and chatted with her fans (Image: Dan Dougherty)
Helen described one of her key experiences as a youngster being a visit to the Octagon Theatre to see a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
Ever since then performing at the Octagon has been one of her major goals.
She gave praise to the rest of the cast, including Vicky, who plays Teresa, and Vicky Binns, with whom she reunited after their join appearances on Corrie.