Beverley Callard Addresses Fan Confusion Over I'm A Celebrity South Africa Appearance
Beverley Callard has directly responded to the confusion among her fans regarding her upcoming appearance on I'm A Celebrity... South Africa while she is currently battling breast cancer. The 69-year-old actress, renowned for her role as Liz McDonald on Coronation Street, disclosed earlier this year that she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and underwent her first surgery just over a month ago.
Pre-Recorded Filming Amid Health Struggles
The soap star, who previously participated in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! in 2020, will return to screens from Easter Monday. She joins other former campmates from the ITV survival series in a special edition where they compete to become the next Jungle Legend. However, some fans expressed bewilderment about how she could participate given her serious health issues.
In a heartfelt Instagram post late on Sunday night, Callard clarified that the show was pre-recorded and does not air live like the main series. She stated, "I want to remind everyone that tomorrow at 9pm, Easter Monday, I'm A Celebrity... South Africa begins. And I know everybody thinks I'm suddenly going away to South Africa. I'm not. We did film it a little while ago." She encouraged viewers to watch, describing the experience as "frightening, wonderful, horrifying, funny, terrifying, exhilarating, everything."
Cancer Battle and Emotional Setbacks
Callard has been transparent about her health journey since her diagnosis. She underwent her first operation at the beginning of March and was awaiting results at the start of April. However, she recently shared a distressing update just before the Easter weekend, revealing a setback in receiving her results.
Speaking to her followers, she emotionally recounted a phone call from a cancer care nurse while en route to a photoshoot for her new role on the Irish soap Fair City. Callard explained, "My phone rang, and it said the caller ID. Usually, it's the hospital or one of the consultants from the hospital and I thought 'Okay, this is it, my results.'" The nurse informed her of a backlog, delaying the results until the following week.
She expressed her despair, saying, "You know when your heart is in your mouth? You think 'This is it. It's coming now, any minute,' and then, no, nothing. I just thought 'I can't do this now, I cannot paint a smile on my face again.'" This update follows her earlier optimism in March, where she hoped the surgery had removed all cancer and anticipated starting radiotherapy if cancer-free.
Support and Future Steps
Callard remains hopeful despite the challenges, stating in March, "If I'm cancer-free, then, a few weeks after that, I will begin radiotherapy. If I'm not cancer-free, then we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. But I have a feeling I will be." Her openness has resonated with many, highlighting the emotional toll of cancer battles.
For those affected by similar issues, support and advice are available through Breast Cancer Support organisations. Callard's story underscores the importance of awareness and resilience in facing health crises while continuing professional commitments.
