Pregnant Helen Flanagan reveals she was rushed to hospital as doctors feared an ectopic pregnancy

Helen Flanagan may be celebrating the news that she is pregnant with her second child, but the experience has been a tough one for the star.

The Coronation Street actress was rushed to hospital after it was discovered that she was suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, the same debilitating morning sickness that plagued the Duchess of Cambridge.

'I have just just been really poorly. I couldn't go into work and do any filming. I had hyperemesis gravidarum; it lasted for five weeks,' she told OK! Magazine.

When the condition worsened, the doctors at Celtic football team - who also attend to her partner and Celtic player Scott Sinclair - feared she may be suffering from an ectopic pregnancy.

'It doesn't sound like a long time but I was just so ill. Luckily it cleared up at ten weeks,' said Helen.

'I know some women have a horrific time and end up in hospital for nine months, so I was lucky, but it was horrendous.'

The star, who is now eating sausage and bacon sandwiches to satisfy her cravings, said that the new addition to the family came as a bit of a surprise.

The couple have one daughter together, two-year-old Matilda.

'I did three more tests just to make sure it was correct! I had a very strong feeling I was pregnant, so I wasn't surprised,' said Helen.

'I was very happy, but I was a bit taken aback as this baby wasn't in the plan. I knew I would feel a lot better once I'd told Scott,' she added.

Scott said that Helen waited until he was back from holiday to share the news.

'It was a little bit of a surprise! I was away in Dubai with my family,' said Scott.

'Helen couldn't come as she was filming. She found out on a Thursday but had to wait until I got home five says later to tell me.'

The pair, who have been dating since 2009, said that they would like to get married so that the family all have the same name.