Beverley Callard has received encouraging news in her breast cancer battle, with test results confirming the disease shows low aggression levels.
The 69-year-old actress shared the update with her Instagram followers on Thursday, revealing that lymph node samples sent to America for analysis had returned positive findings.
"I've got absolutely great news, one of the lymph nodes that they'd sent over for testing to see how aggressive the cancer would be, and it's on low numbers, which is really good," she told fans.
The former Coronation Street star, best known for portraying Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald, explained this means she can now proceed with radiotherapy treatment.
Ms Callard marked the occasion by opening champagne with husband Jon McEwan, who exclaimed: "What a f** journey!"
The Coronation Street actress first disclosed her diagnosis during an appearance on RTE's Late Late Show in February, explaining she received the devastating news just minutes before filming her new role.
"Literally, 15, 20 minutes before I was in my dressing room at Fair City, getting ready to go on, and my consultant rang me and said, 'you've got to come back to the UK'," she recalled.
Despite being told she needed to return immediately, Ms Callard had just started a new job and was away for a month when the breast cancer diagnosis was confirmed.
Ms Callard admited to looking forward to the next steps
|She underwent her initial surgery in March, which successfully removed the cancer.
However, approximately six weeks later, doctors informed her the disease had spread to a lymph node, prompting further testing in America.
The positive update arrived just days after Callard was forced to withdraw from the live final of I'm A Celebrity...South Africa due to her health condition.
The actress admitted the toll her illness had taken, describing how a single late night for a virtual Zoom interview had left her completely exhausted.
"I was wiped for days - does anyone else feel like that with one late night? Is that what cancer does to you sometimes?" she asked her followers.
The star was forced to leave the camp after becoming unwell
|ITV/INSTAGRAM
The interview itself proved frustrating, with her internet connection failing midway through despite having prepared by applying makeup and false eyelashes.
Her departure from the ITV reality show, filmed last autumn, came after she experienced what she described to campmates as "a bit of a funny turn."
Ms Callard's Instagram announcement was met with an outpouring of support from fans and fellow celebrities alike.
Her I'm A Celebrity...South Africa co-star Seann Walsh responded: "Oh my God, I'm so happy Bev."
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS
Other followers offered words of encouragement, with one writing: "Great news! Rest up ahead of RT and keep smiling," while another added: "You are being so strong and got great support around you." (sic)
The actress recently relocated to Ireland with her husband to take on a role in BBC soap Fair City, a move that came shortly before her cancer diagnosis.
She captioned her celebratory post: "Well... the results are in, and we are popping the champagne! I can't begin to explain the relief... now on to the next steps." (sic)
Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter