Beverley Callard has been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer, which she announced publicly in February 2026. She is currently undergoing treatment after surgery to remove the cancer. Separately, she was forced to leave I’m a Celebrity South Africa on medical grounds during filming in 2025 after losing consciousness. These are two separate health events and Beverley has confirmed they are not connected.
The Coronation Street star has been one of the most talked about celebrities in the UK this month, with millions of viewers watching her emotional exit from the jungle and then learning about her cancer battle. Here is everything you need to know about Beverley Callard’s illness, her career, her family, and what she is doing now.
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Who Is Beverley Callard?
Beverley Callard is a 69 year old English actress who was born on 28 March 1957 in Morley, West Yorkshire. She is best known across the UK for playing the iconic character Liz McDonald in Coronation Street, a role she held on and off for over 30 years.
Beverley first appeared on Coronation Street in 1984 as a different character called June Dewhurst. She returned to the show in 1989 as Liz McDonald and the character quickly became one of the most beloved and recognisable faces on the cobbles. She continued in the role until 2020 when she left the soap.
Beyond Corrie, Beverley has had a varied career in television. She appeared in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps as Flo Henshaw, and in 2026 she joined the cast of the Irish soap Fair City on RTE.
Beverley Callard Career Timeline
| Year | Role |
|---|---|
| 1984 | First appeared in Coronation Street as June Dewhurst |
| 1989 | Returned as Liz McDonald in Coronation Street |
| 2020 | Left Coronation Street after 30+ years |
| 2020 | Appeared on I’m a Celebrity in Gwrych Castle, Wales |
| 2025 | Filmed I’m a Celebrity South Africa |
| 2026 | Joined the cast of Fair City on RTE |
Beverley Callard Illness: What Is Going On?
The Beverley Callard illness story has two separate parts that have overlapped in the public eye, causing some confusion among fans. Let us break them down clearly.
The Breast Cancer Diagnosis
In February 2026, Beverley publicly announced that she had been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. This was a brave and emotional moment that she chose to share with her fans through social media and interviews.
Here is what we know about her diagnosis and treatment so far:
- Beverley underwent surgery to remove the cancer, which she described as going “really well”
- Doctors were able to cut the cancer out during the procedure
- Three lymph nodes were removed during surgery for further testing
- It was later revealed that one of the three lymph nodes contained cancer cells
- The lymph node tissue was sent for testing to determine how aggressive the cancer is
- Her treatment plan depends on these results and may include chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, or radiotherapy alone
- As of late April 2026, she has been resting and recovering while sharing updates on social media
Beverley has maintained a positive outlook throughout her treatment journey and has expressed gratitude for the support she has received from fans, family, and friends.
Important note: There have been online searches about a Beverley Callard mastectomy, but as of the latest reports in April 2026, there has been no public confirmation that she has undergone a mastectomy. Her surgery involved removing the cancer and surrounding lymph nodes.
Her Exit from I’m a Celebrity South Africa
The second part of the story involves her departure from I’m a Celebrity South Africa 2026. During an episode that aired on 21 April 2026, viewers watched as Beverley told her campmates that she could not continue in the competition.
She explained that she had “a bit of a funny turn” after feeling unwell and lost consciousness while in the Bush Telegraph area of the camp. The show’s medical team assessed her and made the decision that she could not safely return to camp.
This happened just days before the series finale, making it a particularly emotional moment for both Beverley and her fellow contestants.
When Was I’m a Celebrity South Africa Filmed?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions right now and the answer explains the timeline confusion.
I’m a Celebrity South Africa was filmed in September 2025 in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Although it was pre recorded, the show aired on ITV in early 2026 and featured a live final held in the UK on 24 April 2026.
So when Beverley left the jungle, it was actually back in autumn 2025, months before her breast cancer diagnosis in February 2026. She has made it clear that her exit from the show and her cancer are completely separate events.
The Full I’m a Celebrity South Africa 2026 Cast
Beverley was one of 12 returning celebrities who took part in I’m a Celebrity South Africa. All of them had previously appeared on the original show. Here is the full lineup:
| Celebrity | Known For |
|---|---|
| Adam Thomas | Actor and TV presenter |
| Ashley Roberts | Heart radio DJ and Pussycat Dolls singer |
| Beverley Callard | Coronation Street actress |
| Craig Charles | Actor and DJ |
| David Haye | Former champion boxer |
| Gemma Collins | TV personality |
| Harry Redknapp | Football manager |
| Jimmy Bullard | Former footballer and TV presenter |
| Mo Farah | Olympic legend |
| Scarlett Moffatt | TV presenter |
| Seann Walsh | Comedian |
| Sinitta | Pop singer |
The series brought together some of the most memorable contestants from past seasons of Im a Celebrity, including Harry Redknapp who famously won the show in 2018, Jimmy Bullard who was known for his comedic antics, and Gemma Collins who provided some of the most iconic moments in the show’s history.
📚 Related reading: Check out our latest blog posts for more trending stories and celebrity news from across the UK.
Beverley Callard and Coronation Street
For many people, Beverley Callard is Coronation Street. Her portrayal of Liz McDonald made her one of the most recognisable soap stars in British television history.
Liz McDonald was known for her leopard print outfits, her complicated love life, and her fierce personality. Beverley brought warmth, humour, and depth to the character across multiple decades on the show. The character appeared in some of Corrie’s most gripping storylines, including the heartbreaking death of her son.
Beverley’s departure from the show in 2020 marked the end of an era for Coronation Street fans. At the time, she spoke about wanting to pursue other projects and spend more time with her family.
Beverley Callard’s Husband Jon McEwan
Another frequently searched topic is about Beverley Callard’s husband. Her partner is Jon McEwan, a former member of the British Army who now runs a boutique photography and video studio.
Here are the key facts about their relationship:
- Jon McEwan was born on 20 April 1965 and is currently 61 years old
- He is Beverley’s fourth husband
- The couple married on 30 October 2010 at Hazelwood Castle Hotel
- Jon has been by Beverley’s side throughout her cancer treatment and has been described as her rock during this difficult time
Beverley has been open about her love for Jon and has credited him with helping her through some of the toughest moments in her life.
Beverley Callard’s Daughter Rebecca
Beverley Callard’s daughter is Rebecca Callard, who was born in 1975 from Beverley’s first marriage to Paul Atkinson. Rebecca is also in the entertainment industry and works as both an actress and a writer.
Rebecca has appeared in well known shows including The Borrowers, The Grand, Detectorists, and Breeders. She was sometimes credited as Rebecca Sowden early in her career.
Beverley Callard Weight Loss and Fitness
In early 2026, there was speculation about Beverley Callard’s weight after fans noticed she was looking particularly slim. Beverley addressed the rumours directly, denying that she had used “skinny jabs” or weight loss medications like Ozempic.
She explained that her physique is the result of a lifetime commitment to fitness and exercise. Beverley has always been known for her dedication to working out and has previously run a gym. She has spoken openly about how fitness has been a crucial part of her mental health journey as well.
Beverley Callard Net Worth
The exact Beverley Callard net worth is not publicly confirmed. However, various reports estimate it to be in the range of several hundred thousand pounds to a few million. Her wealth has been built up over decades through her long career on Coronation Street, other acting roles, reality TV appearances, and personal fitness ventures.
Beverley Callard Young: Her Early Life
For those curious about Beverley Callard young, she grew up in West Yorkshire before making her way into the acting world. She trained as an actress and took on various roles before landing her breakthrough part in Coronation Street in the late 1980s.
Her early career included theatre work and smaller television appearances before the role of Liz McDonald changed her life forever. Photos of a young Beverley show a vibrant, ambitious woman who was determined to make it in the competitive world of British acting.
Beverley Callard Now: What Is She Doing in 2026?
As of April 2026, Beverley Callard now is focused on two main things: her health and her career.
On the health front, she is continuing her breast cancer treatment and has been sharing regular updates with fans. She has emphasised the importance of rest and taking things one day at a time while remaining positive about her prognosis.
On the career side, she has joined the cast of Fair City, an Irish soap opera on RTE, showing that she has no plans to slow down despite her health challenges. Her work ethic and determination have been praised by colleagues and fans alike.
People Also Search For
If you are interested in Beverley Callard, you might also want to know about these related topics:
- How old is Harry Redknapp? Harry Redknapp was born on 2 March 1947, making him 79 years old
- How old is Jimmy Bullard? Jimmy Bullard was born on 23 October 1978, making him 47 years old
- How old is Sinitta? Sinitta was born on 19 October 1963, making her 62 years old
- How old is Craig Charles? Craig Charles was born on 11 July 1964, making him 61 years old
- How old is Adam Thomas? Adam Thomas was born on 11 July 1988, making him 37 years old
- Scarlett Moffatt partner Scarlett Moffatt is in a relationship with her long term partner Scott Dobinson
- Gemma Collins The GC has been a regular on British reality TV and appeared alongside Beverley in I’m a Celebrity South Africa
- Mo Farah Sir Mo Farah was also part of the I’m a Celebrity South Africa 2026 lineup
What Happens Next for Beverley?
The coming weeks and months will be important for Beverley as she awaits the results of her lymph node tests, which will determine the next steps in her cancer treatment. Whether she needs chemotherapy or can proceed with radiotherapy alone will depend on how aggressive the cancer cells are.
What is clear is that Beverley Callard has the fighting spirit, the family support, and the determination to get through this. From playing one of the toughest women on Coronation Street to facing real life health battles with grace and openness, she continues to inspire millions of people across the UK.
Stay tuned to Blog Worms for the latest updates on Beverley Callard and all the trending topics that matter across the UK. Have a question or story tip? Get in touch with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beverley Callard was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in February 2026. She underwent surgery to remove the cancer and had three lymph nodes removed, one of which was found to contain cancer cells. She is currently undergoing further treatment. Separately, she was also forced to withdraw from I'm a Celebrity South Africa on medical grounds after losing consciousness during filming in September 2025.
Beverley Callard's husband is Jon McEwan. He is a former member of the British Army and now runs a boutique photography and video studio. Jon is Beverley's fourth husband and the couple married in October 2010 at Hazelwood Castle Hotel. He was born on 20 April 1965 and is currently 61 years old.
Beverley Callard left I'm a Celebrity South Africa after she had a medical episode during filming. She explained that she had a funny turn and lost consciousness while in the Bush Telegraph area. The show's medical team assessed her and decided she could not safely return to camp. Her exit was unrelated to her later breast cancer diagnosis.
Beverley Callard is best known for playing Liz McDonald in Coronation Street from 1989 to 2020. She has also appeared in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here in 2020, and I'm a Celebrity South Africa in 2026. In 2026 she also joined the cast of the RTE soap opera Fair City.
Yes. Beverley Callard publicly announced in February 2026 that she had been diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. She has undergone surgery to remove the cancer and is continuing with further treatment. She has been sharing updates on her progress through social media.
Beverley Callard was born on 28 March 1957, making her 69 years old as of April 2026. She was born in Morley, West Yorkshire, England.
No. Beverley Callard has confirmed that her exit from I'm a Celebrity South Africa was completely unrelated to her breast cancer diagnosis. The show was filmed in September 2025, and her cancer was not diagnosed until February 2026, several months later.
Yes. Beverley Callard has a daughter called Rebecca Callard, who was born in 1975 from Beverley's first marriage to Paul Atkinson. Rebecca is also an actress and writer, known for her roles in The Borrowers, Detectorists, and Breeders.
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