As of January 27, 2026, Isabella Flanagan is a 15-year-old British actress best known for her long-standing role as Hope Stape on the ITV soap opera Coronation Street. Having joined the cast in August 2017, she has portrayed the daughter of John Stape and Fiz Dobbs for nearly nine years, evolving into one of the show’s most prominent young stars. Isabella is part of a famous acting family; she is the twin sister of William Flanagan (who plays Joseph Brown on Coronation Street) and the younger sister of Amelia Flanagan (who plays April Windsor on Emmerdale). In 2026, she continues to be a central figure in Weatherfield, recently navigating complex storylines involving teenage rebellion and the fallout of major character exits like Billy Mayhew.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
The Leeds Roots
Isabella Flanagan was born on January 12, 2011, in Leeds, West Yorkshire, where she still resides with her family.
- Family Influence: Growing up in a household where her older sister was already a television star, Isabella was immersed in the world of acting from a very young age.
- First Role: Her professional debut occurred in late 2016 in a commercial for Nextbase Dashcams, where she appeared alongside her twin brother, William.
Joining Coronation Street
In 2017, the producers of Coronation Street sought a new actress to take over the role of Hope Stape as the character entered more complex developmental stages.
- The Debut: Isabella first appeared on the cobbles in August 2017, immediately making an impression with her portrayal of the troubled and often mischievous daughter of Fiz Dobbs.
- Long-Term Success: Since her debut, she has appeared in hundreds of episodes, outlasting many adult cast members and becoming a “legacy” child actor for the program.
The Flanagan Acting Dynasty
Life with Famous Siblings
The Flanagan household is unique in British entertainment, housing three regular stars of the UK’s top two soap operas simultaneously.
- Twin Connection: Isabella and her twin brother William joined Coronation Street just months apart in 2017; while they play cousins (Hope and Joseph) on screen, they are inseparable off-screen.
- Sisterly Rivalry: Her older sister Amelia has been a staple of Emmerdale since 2014, leading to “heated” but friendly debates at home during awards seasons when the two sisters often compete in the same categories.
Awards and Accolades
Isabella’s talent has been recognized by industry professionals and the voting public alike throughout her decade-long career.
- Inside Soap Awards: She notably won the Best Young Performer award at the 2022 Inside Soap Awards, a milestone she described as “finally catching up” with her sister’s trophy cabinet.
- British Soap Awards: She has been a consistent nominee for Best Young Performer throughout the 2020s, praised for her ability to handle dark and mature themes at such a young age.
2026 Career Status and Storylines
Hope Stape in 2026
In 2026, Isabella’s character, Hope, has transitioned into a “troubled teen” archetype, providing some of the show’s most engaging drama.
- Recent Arcs: Following the 2025 “Corriedale” crossover event, Hope has been dealing with the psychological impact of local tragedies, including the death of Billy Mayhew.
- Teen Romance: Her on-screen relationship with Sam Blakeman (played by Jude Riordan) continues to be a fan-favorite subplot, often blending humor with the realities of growing up in Weatherfield.
Future Prospects and Education
As of early 2026, Isabella is balancing her intensive filming schedule with her GCSE preparations.
- Academic Balance: Like many young actors, she receives on-set tutoring but remains enrolled in a traditional school in the Leeds area to maintain a sense of normalcy.
- Contract Status: She remains under a long-term contract with ITV, with producers recently scrapping darker “demon child” plots to avoid burnout and allow her character to grow naturally.
Practical Information and Planning
How to Watch Isabella Flanagan in 2026
- Program: Coronation Street airs on ITV1 and is available for streaming on ITVX.
- Schedule: The soap typically airs Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8:00 PM GMT.
- Social Media: Isabella’s social media accounts are parent-managed to ensure her safety while allowing her to engage with fans and share behind-the-scenes content.
The Evolution of Hope Stape in 2026
From “Demon Child” to Nuanced Teen
For years, Hope Stape was defined by her mischievous and sometimes dark behavior, but 2026 marks a shift toward a more relatable “coming-of-age” portrayal.
- The “Corriedale” Impact: The trauma of the 2026 crossover event, which impacted several Weatherfield youngsters, has led to a more vulnerable side of Hope being shown to viewers.
- The Ruby Rivalry: A major 2026 subplot involved Hope being trolled online; the revelation that her on-screen sister Ruby Dobbs (Macy Alabi) was behind the “cringey and clapped” messages provided a raw look at modern sibling jealousy.
The Hope and Sam Dynamic
One of the most enduring elements of Isabella’s 2026 tenure is her screen partnership with Jude Riordan, who plays Sam Blakeman.
- Opposites Attract: The intellectual Sam and the street-smart Hope continue to provide a “moral compass” for each other, often acting as the voice of reason when their parents’ lives spiral into typical soap chaos.
- Fan Following: The “Sam and Hope” friendship has sparked a significant social media following, with fans praising the natural chemistry between the two young actors.
Behind the Scenes at Weatherfield
Filming with a Twin Brother
Isabella and her twin brother William Flanagan (Joseph Brown) have the unique advantage of working at the same studio, though they rarely share scenes.
- The Commute: The “Flanagan commute” from Leeds to the Manchester set is a family affair, often managed by their parents to ensure both twins meet their filming and schooling obligations.
- Support System: William and Isabella frequently “run lines” together in the dressing rooms, providing a familiar safety net during high-pressure filming weeks for major stunt episodes.
The 2026 Set Culture
In 2026, the Coronation Street set placed a renewed focus on the mental health and well-being of its younger cast members.
- Chaperones and Mentors: Isabella has often cited older cast members like Alan Halsall (Tyrone) and Jennie McAlpine (Fiz) as “second parents” who have guided her through the industry since she was six years old.
- Dressing Room Bond: Behind the scenes, the younger cast members—including Kyran Bowes (Jack Webster) and Bobby Bradshaw (Jake Windass)—have formed a tight-knit “school away from school” bond.
Acting Tips from the Flanagan Siblings
The three Flanagan siblings (Isabella, William, and Amelia) have developed a “household method” for tackling the fast-paced nature of soap acting.
. The “Switch” Technique
- Isabella’s Method: She describes her ability to “switch lives” with Hope Dobbs as a mental exercise where she leaves her own personality at the dressing room door to adopt Hope’s more cynical outlook.
- Separation: Despite playing a “troublesome” character, Isabella is known on set as one of the most polite and professional young actors, emphasizing the importance of not taking the character’s “mean” traits home.
Line Learning Strategies
- Cross-Soap Practice: In a unique twist, Isabella and her sister Amelia (April in Emmerdale) often practice together by playing each other’s on-screen parents or antagonists during rehearsals at home.
- Repetition: The siblings focus on “active repetition,” where they say their lines while performing mundane tasks like cleaning their rooms to ensure the dialogue becomes second nature.
Handling Public Scrutiny
- Advice to Peers: Having grown up in the spotlight, Isabella advises young actors to “stay off the comments sections” and focus on the feedback from directors and family rather than anonymous trolls.
FAQs
Who is the mystery troll in Hope’s 2026 storyline?
The 2026 storyline revealed that Ruby Dobbs was the one sending the “cringey and clapped” messages to Hope, sparked by feelings of neglect within the family.
Did Isabella Flanagan film the “Corriedale” minibus stunt?
Yes, Isabella was involved in the 2026 crossover filming, though professional stunt doubles were used for the most dangerous sequences involving the explosion.
How many episodes of Corrie has Isabella done?
As of 2026, she has appeared in over 600 episodes since her debut in 2017.
Are the Flanagan siblings competitive about their roles?
According to Amelia and Isabella, the rivalry is “light-hearted” and “never serious.” They prioritize supporting each other’s charity work and milestones over trophy counting.
What is the “Ology” agency?
Ology is the casting agency that represents all three Flanagan siblings and helped them secure their respective roles in Coronation Street and Emmerdale.
Does Isabella Flanagan do her own social media?
No, as of early 2026, her Instagram and other platforms remain parent-managed to protect her from online negativity.
What is the “Team Lewis” charity climb?
Isabella and her sister Amelia recently climbed Mount Snowdon to raise money for Alder Hey Children’s Charity in honor of a friend named Lewis.
Will Hope and Sam ever date in 2026?
While fans speculate, the producers have kept their relationship as a “platonic best friendship” to focus on the unique bond between the two characters.
How does Isabella handle her GCSEs while filming?
She uses on-set tutors provided by ITV and maintains a strict schedule that balances 15 hours of filming with mandatory study blocks.
What is Isabella’s favorite thing about playing Hope?
She has stated she loves that Hope is unpredictable and “different to her real-life self,” allowing her to explore emotions she doesn’t experience in her normal day-to-day life.
How old is Isabella Flanagan in 2026?
She is 15 years old, having celebrated her 15th birthday on January 12, 2026.
Are Isabella and William Flanagan twins?
Yes, they are fraternal twins. William plays Joseph Brown on Coronation Street, making them real-life siblings playing on-screen cousins.
Who is Isabella Flanagan’s older sister?
Her older sister is Amelia Flanagan, who has played April Windsor on Emmerdale since 2014.
When did Isabella join Coronation Street?
She joined the cast in August 2017, taking over the role of Hope Stape from previous child actors.
Has Isabella Flanagan won any awards?
Yes, she won Best Young Performer at the Inside Soap Awards in 2022 and has received multiple nominations at the British Soap Awards.
Is she related to Helen Flanagan?
No, despite sharing the same surname and both appearing on Coronation Street, Isabella is not related to Helen Flanagan (who played Rosie Webster).
Where does Isabella Flanagan go to school?
She attends a school in Leeds, though her specific location is kept private for security reasons. She also receives on-set tutoring.
Who are her parents?
Her father’s name is Chris Flanagan. Her parents are very active in managing the careers and social media presence of all three children.
What happened to Hope Stape’s father?
In the show, Hope’s biological father was the serial killer John Stape. She was later raised by Tyrone Dobbs and Fiz Stape.
Does Isabella Flanagan have Instagram?
Yes, she has an Instagram account, but it is explicitly stated in her bio that it is “managed by parents.”
Is Isabella leaving Coronation Street in 2026?
There has been no announcement regarding her departure; as of January 2026, she remains a regular cast member.
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