Former Coronation Street star Beverley Callard has publicly revealed she has been diagnosed with breast cancer, a disclosure that comes just weeks after she announced her new acting role on the Dublin-based soap opera Fair City. The 68-year-old actress, who recently relocated to Ireland for the part, shared the news during an appearance on the Irish chat show The Late Late Show on Friday evening.
Diagnosis and Treatment Plans
Speaking to host Patrick Kielty, Beverley explained that she will require surgery and radiation therapy back in the United Kingdom, though medical professionals have caught the disease at an early stage. She recounted the moment she received the diagnosis, describing how her consultant called her just minutes before her first scene on Fair City.
'I was in my dressing room at Fair City, getting ready to go on, and I was quite nervous,' Beverley said. 'My consultant rang me and said, "you've got to come back to the UK." I said, "well I can't possibly, you know, I've just taken a new job I'm away for a month."'
Early Detection and Positive Outlook
Despite the shocking news, Beverley maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing that the cancer is in its very early stages. 'I'm absolutely fine. My head was a bit mashed for the first few days. It's very early stages, and I'm along with, you know, thousands of other women as well,' she stated. She plans to travel back to the UK for a couple of weeks to undergo tests on lymph nodes and glands, followed by an operation and radiotherapy, before returning to her role on Fair City within a few weeks.
Recent Controversies and Financial Struggles
This revelation follows a recent incident where Beverley was forced to address rumors about her weight loss, denying claims that she was using weight-loss jabs. In a video to fans, she attributed her physique to hard work and fitness efforts, while also expressing support for others who choose different paths.
Meanwhile, Beverley is facing ongoing financial difficulties, with reports indicating she has failed to pay a £98,000 tax bill, potentially leading to a second bankruptcy. Her company, JMBJ Limited, which was set up after she left Coronation Street to manage her finances, went into liquidation in 2023. The firm has struggled to repay loans, leaving significant debts to HMRC and other creditors.
The liquidators noted that further recoveries are unlikely due to the directors' financial position, with costs outweighing potential benefits to creditors. This financial strain adds another layer to Beverley's current challenges as she navigates her health diagnosis and career commitments.
