Beverley Callard has hit back at critics after being questioned by fans for returning to work while undergoing treatment following her breast cancer diagnosis.
The beloved former Coronation Street star, 68, revealed earlier this year that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. But despite the difficult health blow, Beverley has refused to step away from the spotlight completely and recently travelled to London to promote I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, which is due to air next month.
The ITV spin-off, featuring stars including Mo Farah, Harry Redknapp and Ashley Roberts, was filmed last year, but Beverley joined the cast again at last week’s glamorous launch event. After the appearance, she admitted the trip had taken a toll on her energy.
Speaking to fans on TikTok, Beverley explained that she had been absent online because she was “completely wiped out” after the work event. She said she had been in London for the I’m A Celebrity launch and although she enjoyed it, it left her exhausted afterwards.
Her update quickly sparked concern from followers, but one comment appeared to question whether she should have gone back to work so soon. The fan asked: “Surely you shouldn’t be working so soon?”
Beverley, however, was not prepared to let the criticism slide. In a firm but simple reply, she defended her decision by saying: “I can’t not do anything, it’s good to keep busy.”
Her determined response comes only weeks after she underwent surgery to have her lymph nodes removed as a precaution, in a bid to prevent the cancer from spreading. Even in the middle of the ordeal, Beverley has made it clear she is refusing to let the illness define her.
At the launch event hosted by Ant and Dec at London’s Ham Yard Hotel last Monday, the actress delivered a powerful message as she declared: “F*** cancer!” She also admitted the emotions of the moment were hitting hard, saying: “We go from one extreme to another in my job. I’m feeling more nervous now we’re here, but I’m going to be very brave.”
Beverley first opened up about her diagnosis during an appearance on Patrick Kielty’s Late Late Show in Ireland in January. Reflecting on the shock of the news, she said: “My head was a bit mashed for the first few days.” She added that the cancer had been caught at an early stage and explained: “It’s very early stages and, along with thousands of other women, I need an operation and some radiotherapy.”
While facing the toughest chapter of her personal life, Beverley has also been embracing a fresh professional start. Alongside I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, she has been enjoying her new role in Irish soap Fair City, where she reportedly earns €4,000 a week.
The move has helped her begin a new chapter in Dublin, with sources saying the actress feels she is finally breaking free from the struggles of the past few years. According to insiders, Beverley has found the experience both emotionally uplifting and creatively energising, and is loving the warm welcome she has received in Ireland.
She now plays Lily in Fair City, a sharp, quirky beautician with a colourful past, but for many viewers Beverley will forever be remembered as the iconic Liz McDonald from Coronation Street, a role she played on and off for more than three decades.
Even now, as she faces cancer with grit and honesty, Beverley is proving she has lost none of the fighting spirit that made her a soap legend.
