Former Coronation Street star Beverley Callard has spoken emotionally about her breast cancer battle, revealing she faces a 'big operation' but insists the surgery itself is not the worst part. The 68-year-old, best known for playing Rovers landlady Liz McDonald, shared the update with fans on Thursday, saying the wait for the procedure is proving the most difficult.
The actress, who disclosed her diagnosis on Ireland's Late Late Show with Patrick Kielty, explained that she is having lymph nodes removed as a precaution. She praised the NHS team at Norfolk and Norwich Hospital, saying: 'They are pretty sure it is not in the lymph nodes but they are going to take two out on Friday when I have the operation to make sure so it's quite a big operation I'm having but I trust them completely.'
Callard, who has been keeping fans updated, admitted she is keeping busy to cope with the anxiety. 'The waiting is the worst bit. I have to tell you, the house is so clean because I can't stop and think about things. One more day and then it is the operation,' she said. She added that she is 'feeling strong and positive' and invited others going through similar experiences to share their stories.
The star recently revealed her cancer was caught in the 'early stages' and that she will need radiotherapy. It is not her first cancer battle, having been diagnosed with cervical cancer at 32, which she beat. She confessed to feeling 'scared vanity wise' about potential hair loss and changes to her appearance.
Callard joined Coronation Street in 1989 and remained on the cobbles for three decades until 2020, when she left to explore other roles and challenge ageism in the industry. She has since taken on a new part in Irish soap Fair City.
