Beverley Callard has disclosed that she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer earlier this year, following her departure from I'm A Celebrity... South Africa. The 66-year-old actress, best known for playing Liz McDonald on Coronation Street, said she had no idea she was battling the disease until after she left the show. According to multiple reports, Callard was forced to bow out of the competition after 12 days in the camp due to ill health, though the specific reasons for her exit have not been confirmed.
Callard had previously confirmed her participation in the upcoming series of I'm A Celebrity... South Africa, which is set to air on ITV. The show, a spin-off of the long-running reality series I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, will feature former contestants returning to the jungle. According to major media reports, the series will start on April 6 and air weeknights for three weeks, culminating in a live final on April 24. Callard's involvement was announced alongside other celebrities including Adam Thomas and Jimmy Bullard.
However, Callard tearfully confirmed that she will not attend the live ITV final due to ill health. According to the Liverpool Echo, Callard described the weather as great but noted that the final is on April 24, suggesting she was initially expected to participate. The Daily Express, however, reports that she has left the show and will not attend the final, creating a contradiction in reports. It remains unclear whether the Daily Express report is accurate or based on outdated information, and whether Callard will appear in any episodes of the series before her exit.
I don't know if I'm allowed to talk about this yet. But you obviously know. Yep, I was shooting it in South Africa. And I can't tell you more than that.
The exact nature of Callard's breast cancer diagnosis and treatment remains unknown. She has not publicly disclosed the stage of her cancer beyond it being early-stage, nor has she detailed her treatment plan. The actress has not commented on why she left the competition after 12 days, though her health issues are believed to be related to her cancer diagnosis. ITV has not issued a statement regarding her departure or her absence from the final.
Callard's revelation has drawn attention to the challenges faced by celebrities participating in physically demanding reality shows while managing serious health conditions. The actress, who has been a staple on British television for decades, has received an outpouring of support from fans and former co-stars. Her departure from I'm A Celebrity... South Africa marks the second time she has left the show early; she previously participated in the main series in 2010 but was eliminated in the first week.
The contradiction between reports from the Liverpool Echo and the Daily Express highlights the uncertainty surrounding Callard's involvement in the final. The Liverpool Echo, which interviewed Callard directly, suggests she was aware of the final date and seemed to imply she would be part of it. In contrast, the Daily Express reports that she has definitively left the show and will not attend. This discrepancy may stem from a change in circumstances after her interview, or a reporting error. Without official confirmation from ITV or Callard herself, the exact timeline of her exit remains unclear.
Oh, the weather was great. But the final is on the 24th of April. So it's all still to come.
Callard's breast cancer diagnosis adds a personal dimension to her departure. Early-stage breast cancer is highly treatable, and many patients go on to make a full recovery. However, the physical and emotional toll of treatment can be significant, and it is understandable that Callard would prioritize her health over a reality show commitment. Her decision to speak publicly about her diagnosis may help raise awareness about the importance of early detection.
The I'm A Celebrity... South Africa series is expected to feature a mix of challenges and eliminations similar to the original show, but with a cast of former contestants. The show's producers have not commented on how Callard's absence will affect the format or whether her departure will be addressed on air. The live final on April 24 will proceed without her, and it is unclear if she will appear via video link or make any statement.
As the series approaches, fans and media alike will be watching for further updates on Callard's health and her potential involvement in any episodes. The actress has not indicated whether she will undergo treatment or surgery, and her representatives have not issued a statement. For now, the focus remains on her recovery and the upcoming series, which will air without one of its most anticipated participants.