Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard has announced the completion of her radiotherapy treatment for breast cancer, declaring 'it's a wrap' in a heartfelt video shared with fans on Instagram. The 69-year-old actress, best known for playing Liz McDonald on the ITV soap, underwent 10 sessions of radiotherapy after being diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer earlier this year.
Treatment Journey and Diagnosis
Callard revealed her diagnosis shortly before making her debut on the Irish soap Fair City, having relocated to Ireland with her husband Jon McEwan. Prior to radiotherapy, she had lymph nodes removed as a precaution to prevent the cancer from spreading. She previously shared that her consultant reported the surgery 'went really well' and that they managed to 'cut the cancer out'.
The actress began radiotherapy at the start of July, despite being told during the waiting period that it should have started earlier. Throughout her treatment, Callard has kept her followers updated with candid videos documenting her experience.
Final Session and Emotional Reaction
On Thursday, July 16, Callard posted a video announcing the end of her radiotherapy. 'I've done it. I've just finished my last radiotherapy session. Fingers crossed. Yep, that was number 10 for me and lots of people have to have lots more I know that, but for now that's finished,' she said. Her husband Jon encouraged 'positive thinking', to which she replied, 'That's it. I know positive thinking. Yes definitely.'
Admitting mixed emotions, she added: 'To be honest, I feel a bit numb because yesterday, I really struggled, but today I've been fine. I've got to see the professor again in two months and then I'll know a lot more, and mammograms and oncologists and all that. But radiotherapy is finished for now, so I'm really thrilled. I'm not gonna celebrate tonight, we're too tired, I can't be bothered. I'm gonna put scruffy clothes on and watch TV with a cup of tea.'
In the caption, she wrote: 'And that's a wrap on radiotherapy! 10 sessions over and done with! Lots more appointments down the line but for now…I'm so happy for it to be over! Celebrating with a cuppa on the sofa.'
Documenting the Process
Callard, who previously had to leave the ITV spin-off I'm A Celebrity...South Africa just before the final due to health issues, has been praised for her openness. Earlier, she shared a video taking fans inside the radiotherapy room, explaining the procedure to alleviate fear of the unknown. 'The biggest thing is the fear of the unknown. So I'm showing you what happens,' she said.
She advised wearing loose tops without metal and demonstrated how she prepared for treatment. 'These people, and that machine, work its magic. It makes occasional noises, but it's not frightening... So it's completely painless. That's the machine, all these spin around you, nothing hurts. You don't go in a tunnel or anything like that. It's a few minutes and it's done!'
Looking Ahead
Callard will see her professor in two months for further evaluation and continue with mammograms and oncologist appointments. She remains optimistic about the future, expressing gratitude for the support from fans and her husband throughout her treatment.
