I’m A Celeb’s Beverley Callard admits she’s ‘trying to be strong’ after cancer update
Coronation Street icon Beverley Callard, best known for her long-running role as Liz McDonald on the ITV soap, has shared an emotional health update with fans after revealing she is awaiting crucial cancer results.
The 69-year-old actress, who portrayed the fiery Rovers Return landlady for more than three decades, admitted she is “trying to be strong” as she continues to navigate a deeply uncertain and emotional period in her life.
New life in Ireland amid fresh career move
Callard recently relocated to Ireland with her husband Jon McEwan, where she is preparing to appear in the BBC soap Fair City. The move marked a new chapter for the actress, who has remained a beloved figure in British television for decades.
At the same time, Beverley is currently appearing on the pre-recorded series I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, giving viewers another glimpse of her personality beyond the cobbles.
However, behind the professional changes, she has been facing a serious personal battle.
Cancer diagnosis revealed before filming
Just before beginning filming her first scenes in Ireland, Beverley received life-changing news: she had been diagnosed with the early stages of breast cancer.
Following the diagnosis, she underwent surgery in March. Doctors initially told her she would receive follow-up results within around four weeks to determine whether she was cancer-free.
However, that timeline was later disrupted when she was informed there was a backlog in the system, leaving her waiting longer than expected for clarity about her condition.
Emotional update shared on Instagram
On Tuesday evening, Beverley returned to Instagram to speak openly with her followers about her current situation, offering a candid insight into her emotional state while waiting for answers.
Beginning her video with a heavy sigh, she explained that she had been trying to keep herself busy during the difficult wait.
She said:
“Oh well, I’ve been painting all day again… I’ve nearly finished it, which is amazing. I’ve put some hours in that room, but I really want it finished for when Jon gets back.”
The actress went on to reveal she had recently received a text message informing her that she would now have a consultation with a different doctor, rather than simply receiving a phone call from a nurse as she had originally expected.
Confusion over consultation appointment
Beverley admitted she was unsure what the change meant, explaining her concern over the unexpected appointment.
She said:
“My consultant is away at the moment, but there is someone else I’ve seen before who wants to discuss my results on Thursday at 12 o’clock. I don’t know what that means.”
She added that she had previously been told a cancer nurse would contact her directly once results were available, leaving her confused about the shift in communication.
The uncertainty, she admitted, has been difficult to manage.
Support from family during difficult wait
The actress also revealed that she had debated whether to keep the update from her husband Jon until her daughter Rebecca encouraged her to tell him.
She said she ultimately shared the news with him, explaining that having her family aware of the situation has helped her feel less alone during the anxious waiting period.
Despite her worries, Beverley ended her message on a note of resilience, saying:
“I just wondered if this has happened to anyone else. Lots of love everyone — I’m being strong.”
In her Instagram caption, she wrote:
“Had a bit of a weird update and not sure how to feel about it… trying to be brave and strong.”
Fans rally around the soap icon
Following her post, Beverley was quickly flooded with messages of love and support from fans and fellow viewers, many of whom praised her honesty and courage.
One supporter shared their own experience of waiting for medical results, writing that the anxiety of uncertainty can often feel worse than the outcome itself, before reassuring Beverley and sending love.
Another encouraged her to stay positive, referencing her previous appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, saying she had already shown strength in challenging situations.
A third fan offered reassurance that the consultation did not necessarily indicate bad news, explaining that doctors often arrange appointments simply to discuss treatment plans in detail.
Career spanning decades of television success
Beverley Callard remains one of the most recognisable faces in British soap history. Her portrayal of Liz McDonald made her a household name, with the character becoming a central figure in Coronation Street’s Rovers Return for over 30 years.
Alongside her soap success, she also starred in the hit sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, further cementing her status as a versatile and beloved television actress.
Awaiting answers
As Beverley prepares for her upcoming consultation, she remains in a period of uncertainty, balancing her professional commitments with a deeply personal health journey.
Her openness has resonated strongly with fans, many of whom have praised her willingness to speak publicly about a difficult and emotional experience.
For now, supporters across the UK continue to send messages of encouragement as the Coronation Street legend waits for the next stage in her medical journey, hoping for positive news ahead.