Helen Flanagan still has "a lot of love" for ex-boyfriend Scott Sinclair.
The 23-year-old beauty recently split from the soccer star after he was accused of sending flirtatious text messages to TV presenter Donatella Panayiotou, but the former 'Coronation Street' actress insists she will not hear a bad word said about her former beau because she still has "deep and strong" feelings for him.
She said: "We're still in touch and there is a lot of love there. We're focused on our careers and both have pressure from different things.
"That can put a strain on you. He's a really nice guy, Scott.
"He's not like the typical footballer that they say in the press and that annoys me because I know the truth.
"I can't help but be really protective over him. My feelings are so deep and strong.
"I don't like anyone saying anything negative about him. We were so close."
Following the couple's split, Helen has taken to reading more books and has tried stay busy to keep her mind off their failed romance.
She added to OK! magazine: "Keep really busy and do positive things that will make you happy. I'm a big fan of 'The Power' by Rhonda Byrne - that book really helped me a lot."
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