The soap star’s importance to the Cobbles is showing no signs of slowing down

Isabella Flanagan has quickly established herself as one of Coronation Street’s most important young stars. The rising star joined the Cobbles’ cast as Hope Dobbs in 2017 when she took over the role from twins, Faith and Nicole Holt.

Her importance to the show has continued to grow ever since. Hope has enjoyed another busy year on Weatherfield as she was accused of meddling in a serious crime after Alina Pop returned to the Cobbles this summer.

She was also involved in an issue-led storyline when she was caught vaping at school. The character ignored the warnings from her onscreen family and needed to visit the doctors as vaping played a part in her becoming ill.

However, Isabella has confirmed she is now set to enjoy a well-earned break. Her parents regularly share updates from Isabella’s Instagram account as she forges an incredible career in showbiz.

They have taken to the social media platform this week to reveal Isabella shot her last scenes of 2024 before she is set to enjoy Christmas off. They issued the post with her 13,300 Instagram followers as they shared the caption: “That’s a wrap on Hope Dobbs for 2024.”

The talented 13-year-old regularly works alongside her onscreen dad, Alan Halsall, and supported him during his stint on I’m A Celebrity. She issued a heartfelt tribute earlier this year when Alan celebrated his birthday.

She said: “Happy birthday @alanhalsall!!! Couldn’t ask for a better tv dad and I know I do your head in but I really do love you. Have a fab day!! xx”

Isabella is incredibly close to her talented real life family, who are also forging impressive careers in showbiz. William Flanagan plays Joseph Brown in Corrie and Amelia Flanagan portrays April Windsor in Emmerdale.

Isabella Flanagan is set to take a well earned break over Christmas after another busy year as Hope Dobbs on Coronation Street

Liverpool has been the site of many important memories for the family as they were at a Pizza Hut in the city when William landed the role in Corrie. Parents, Rachel and Chris, Flanagan spoke about the moment in an interview with OK!

They said: “The biggest question people ask is, ‘How has this happened?’ And the genuine answer is, ‘I don’t know.'” After Will auditioned I remember we were in Pizza Hut in Liverpool and the agent rang us and said, “Are you sitting down?” and she told us we were going to have three kids in soaps. It was just crazy. I don’t ever think things are forever but for the last six years that’s been our lives.”

Isabella’s parents didn’t focus on showbiz before their kids became actors. Chris is a store manager at TK Maxx and Rachel insisted her kids haven’t got their acting chops from their parents. She said: “We’re big soap lovers but they don’t get the acting from us, they all just genuinely love it. We love that they all play such different roles. It’s hard to find a good part for a young actor but they’ve all got brilliant, brilliant characters – who are very different to them in real life!”

The parents admitted they were concerned people would think they’re pushy as Chris said: “Yes, that has been a reservation, thinking people might say, “Here they are, pushing their kids” or thinking we’re making a fortune from them. But that’s absolutely not the case.”

Rachel added: “I’m getting better at not feeling like I have to justify myself to people. Casting directors see hundreds of kids, and it’s ridiculously hard to get a part, and it’s also difficult to last this long. So they are only where they are because of them, nothing Chris and I have done. Why wouldn’t they take these opportunities?”

Although the three children couldn’t be happier in their respective roles, the mum and dad admitted nothing lasts forever and they wouldn’t stand in their way if they pursued a career away from the show.

Rachel said: “We’ve always said that it is absolutely their decision. I don’t see that coming at the moment, but who’s to say what happens in future?” Chris added: “We know that soaps aren’t forever for younger actors.

“We know they could be recast, or if a key member of the soap family leaves it means the whole family leaves, so at the moment they’re really making the most of the opportunity – and we’re making sure they put in their best effort at school so they’ll do well with their exams. But it’s always up to them what they do, that’s why it’s important they have a good education behind them.”

However, Isabella’s importance to Corrie is showing no signs of slowing down as she is looking forward to reprise the role in the New Year when she comes back recharged after a Christmas break. 

Coronation Street airs on Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8pm on ITV and ITVX