Beverley Callard has shared an encouraging update with fans following her breast cancer diagnosis, revealing she underwent lymph node testing on Wednesday and is maintaining a positive outlook ahead of surgery.
The 68-year-old actress, beloved for portraying Liz McDonald on Coronation Street for more than thirty years, posted a video from her hospital bed expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received.
"I am at the hospital now, about to test the lymph nodes and lymph glands, I'm feeling fine, I'm really positive," she told followers.
The soap star disclosed that her operation is scheduled for February 20, with results from her lymph node tests expected by the following Wednesday.
Doctors caught the cancer at a very early stage, with the actress requiring both surgery and radiotherapy treatment.
The diagnosis came as a devastating shock, arriving mere minutes before Ms Callard was due to step onto the Fair City set for the first time.
She had undergone tests prior to departing for Ireland, and her consultant phoned with the news whilst she sat in her dressing room preparing for her debut scene.
During an emotional appearance on RTÉ's The Late Late Show with Patrick Kielty last Friday, she recalled: "I was quite nervous and thinking, 'I hope everybody thinks I'm all right, whatever.'
Beverley Callared issued a fresh health update
|"And my consultant rang me and said, 'you've got to come back to the UK.'"
The actress initially resisted, explaining she had just started a new job and would be away for a month.
However, medical advice prevailed, and she returned to Norfolk for further assessment and treatment planning.
Ms Callard expressed heartfelt appreciation for the messages of support flooding in from well-wishers.
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Beverley Callard starred in ITV's Coronation Street for three decades
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In a follow-up video filmed after returning home, she noted that the camaraderie among patients had lifted her spirits considerably.
"There were dozens of ladies in there just the same as me, and they were all positive as well and upbeat, so we're getting there and sticking together," she shared.
The actress was joined at home by her dog Arthur, who she believes senses something is amiss.
"I am sure Arthur knows, look at this, I'm sure he knows, they do say that, don't they? But everything's really good so far," she remarked as the pooch rested his head on her legs.
Fans have praised her bravery, with one describing her as "a national treasure" whilst another called her decision to speak publicly about her diagnosis courageous.
Despite her health challenges, Callard remains committed to her new role on the RTÉ soap Fair City, where she will portray Lily, the long-lost mother of established character Gwen, played by Emily Lamey.
The show has characterised Lily as quirky and unpredictable, with the actress set to make her on-screen debut on February 19 – just one day before her scheduled operation.
Ms Callard revealed she was approached about the part nearly a year ago and initially hesitated about joining another soap. However, after watching episodes on her computer, she became hooked.
"The editing is so good. The scripts are amazing. Got my husband to have a look at it. And I said, 'I can't say no to this'," she explained.