Beverley Callard forced to leave ITV I'm A Celeb as she suffers health blow ahead of cancer diagnosis

Lydia Davies
Wed, 22 Apr 2026 15:44:16 +0000

Beverley Callard has revealed watching her forced exit from I'm A Celebrity… South Africa left her in tears once again, as the moment now carries greater significance following her breast cancer diagnosis.

The 69-year-old, best known for playing Liz McDonald in Coronation Street, disclosed in February she is battling the disease.

She shared in an Instagram video on Tuesday evening: "Well, I've just watched my exit on I'm A Celeb, and it made me cry all over again because, of course, I didn't know then that I had cancer."

The Leeds-born star, who also appeared in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, declared: "I will beat this. I will beat it."

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The episode broadcast on Tuesday was filmed in September, months before Ms Callard received her diagnosis.

During the recording, she experienced a sudden health scare while in the Bush Telegraph, the show's video diary room, where she briefly lost consciousness.

"I went into the Bush Telegraph and apparently I lost consciousness for a little while.

"I just wasn't feeling myself," she explained.

Medical staff transported her to a treatment facility on site, where they informed her she could not continue in the competition.

Despite her pleas to remain, having already completed challenges including a skydive and hanging from a cliff edge, the production team stood firm.

"I said, 'Don't send me home, I'm sure I'll be fine'," she recalled.

"But that was the start of everything, really."

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A post shared by Beverley Callard (@beverleycallard)

Her fellow campmates rallied around her as she delivered the devastating news in camp.

Former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt paid tribute to the actress, telling cameras: "Selfishly, I would want Bev to stay, because she's like everyone's camp mam, but her health is more important."

Singer Sinitta spoke of the profound impact Ms Callard had made during their time together in the jungle.

"Beverley is my inspiration," she said.

"You know that thing where you think, well, if Beverley can do it, I can do it. She gives me that. She's an amazing woman."

In her emotional farewell to the group, Ms Callard expressed her disappointment at not reaching the final.

Following her Instagram post, messages of support poured in from fellow celebrities and friends.

I'm A Celebrity co-star Ashley Roberts responded: "You did prove that Bev. Sending love and so proud of you."

Loose Women panellist Coleen Nolan added her encouragement, writing "so proud of you Bev" alongside a heart emoji.

Meanwhile, comedian and fellow campmate Seann Walsh commented: "You were brilliant, Bev. Such a pleasure to do it with you. Sending you my love."

GB News contributor, Lizzie Cundy, penned: "Proud of you darling."

Since going public with her early-stage breast cancer diagnosis in February, Ms Callard has been documenting her treatment journey on social media and has recently undergone surgery to remove the cancer.

In her Instagram caption, she wrote: "Just got to get through this real-life trial now."