Normal Childhood Despite Soap Stardom
A dad from Leeds has shared what it's like being the parent of three soap stars. Chris Flanagan, 39, and his wife Rachel have emphasized that they did not pressure their kids into joining the cast of Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Amelia, Isabella, and William Flanagan have been acting on the shows for the majority of their lives, but their parents have worked hard to keep their childhood as normal as possible.
Education Remains a Priority
The Flanagan family places a strong emphasis on education. Chris ensures that if the children are on set in the afternoon, they attend school in the morning. If filming ends earlier in the day, family members or friends will transport them back to class. The children also receive additional tutoring on set to ensure they keep up with their studies.
Supportive School and Family Time
The school the children attend is incredibly supportive and the family maintains regular communication with them. If the kids miss out on school trips due to filming, the family tries to recreate the experience on a Saturday. This ensures they still have the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities.
A Proud Dad
Chris Flanagan, who works as a store manager at TK Maxx, is amazed to see all of his children cast in popular British TV shows. Amelia was the first to join Emmerdale at the age of five, followed by twins Will and Bella who were cast in Coronation Street. Despite their success, Chris acknowledges that their achievements are solely due to their talent and hard work, not because of any influence from him or his wife.
Adjusting to Filming Schedules
The Flanagan family has had to adapt to the demanding schedules of soap opera filming. Shoots can start as early as 6 am, and the children have had to film summer scenes in the cold and Christmas scenes in warm weather. However, Chris and Rachel are proud of how well their kids handle the workload and the challenges that come with it.
Stamina, Determination, and Patience
In soap operas, multiple scenes are filmed in a day, requiring the young actors to have stamina, determination, and patience. The Flanagan children have proven themselves in this regard and continue to take their acting careers in stride.
