Flantastic: Helen Flanagan oozes classic Hollywood glamour at the Gatsby themed M.E.N. Diary party

PUBLISHED: 23:23, 20 September 2013 | UPDATED: 10:33, 21 September 2013

It was a night themed around the glitz and glamour of the roaring ‘20s, but while certain celebrity guests at this year’s M.E.N Diary event had clearly overlooked the Gatsby inspired dress code, one person who got it spot on was Helen Flanagan.

The 23-year-old actress made an appearance at the Manchester event on Friday conveying classic Hollywood glam in a stunning black evening dress and matching peep-toe heels.

Helen’s look was completed with a glossy red faux-fur wrap, while the black Chanel clutch gave the outfit a tasteful designer flourish.

Helen Flanagan gets into the spirit of things on Friday evening by adopting a classic Hollywood look at the M.E.N. Diary event at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester

Flantastic: Helen Flanagan gets into the spirit of things on Friday evening by adopting a classic Hollywood look at the M.E.N. Diary event at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester

For once, the former Coronation Street star had eschewed the chunky urban chains she’s developed quite a taste for over recent weeks in favour of a rather more subtle necklace that didn’t detract the eyes from her from her elegant attire.

In keeping with the Gatsby theme Helen opted for a liberal use of lipstick and mascara, while her hair – all too often scraped across her head during the day – gently cascaded across her shoulders in loose curls as she posed for photos before making her way inside the Lowry Hotel venue.

The actress was making an appearance at the event following her inability to get rookie beautician Sanchez Weaver a £10,000 prize and an apprenticeship at a beauty salon during her stint on Channel 5 show Celebrity Super Spa.

Red and black: The former Coronation Street star opted for a red faux-fur wrap with a black evening dress and matching peep-toe heels

Stepping out: Helen Flanagan arrives at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester on Friday evening

TV failure aside, Helen was clearly a winner at the annual event, held by the Manchester Evening News.

Other celebrities to attend included Catherine Tyledesley and Chelsee Healey, with both attempting to pull off garish red outfits with varying degrees of success.

Indeed, feisty Waterloo Road star Chelsee turned up looking distinctly gladiatorial in a scarlet dress and black, knee-length roman boots – probably not a look F.Scott Fitzgerald had in mind when he penned his classic novel on the French Riviera in 1924.

Ready to party: Helen poses for photos before stepping inside the venue on Friday evening

Meanwhile, Corrie star Catherine, 30, arrived in a sweeping Grecian gown from local designer Nadine Merabi, who was also in attendance.

Guests at the event – which was hosted by M.E.N Diary editor Dianne Bourne – were given the opportunity to take to the stage for a spot of ‘Rockaoke,’ while chocolates were served on silver platters by semi-named male models playfully dubbed The Naked Chocolatiers.

Entertainment provided by a local magician and Manchester based singer Ren Harvieu.