Beverley Callard, 69, became visibly emotional as she watched back her shocking exit from I’m A Celebrity South Africa on Tuesday night, revealing that she had no idea at the time that she was battling breast cancer. The actress, best known for her role in Coronation Street, had to leave the show early after experiencing a sudden health scare, and it wasn’t until months later that the devastating truth was revealed.
During the pre-recorded series in Kruger National Park, Callard had been forced to leave the camp due to a “funny turn.” What appeared to be a minor health issue quickly escalated into something much more serious. Four months after filming, Callard was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, a revelation that turned her world upside down.
In a heartfelt Instagram video, Beverley explained the sequence of events that led to her unexpected departure from the show and how it marked the beginning of her battle with cancer. “I just watched my exit on I’m A Celeb and it made me cry all over again. Of course, I didn’t know then that I had cancer, but I just knew that in the last couple of days there, I hadn’t felt very well,” she shared tearfully.
The Incident That Prompted Her Exit
Callard recounted how she had experienced a moment of unconsciousness in the Bush Telegraph, a turning point that led to her leaving the show. “What happened was, I went into the Bush Telegraph and apparently, I lost consciousness for a little while. I just wasn’t feeling myself. They took me to a medical hut, and they were amazing. They really looked after me and they said, ‘You can’t go back,’” she explained.
In a bid to stay in the game, Beverley pushed back, not wanting to leave. “I said, ‘Don’t say that, don’t send me home, I’ll be fine.’ I wanted to succeed and make it through to the end, but that was the start of everything. It’s made me really emotional, but I will beat this. I will beat it,” she vowed.
On the show, Beverley had told her fellow campmates, “I’ve got something to tell you all. I didn’t feel very well this morning and I had a bit of a funny turn, and they’ve said I can’t come back in. I’ve got to go. I’m absolutely gutted. I don’t want to go.” Campmate Ashley Roberts reassured her, saying, “You’ve got to look after yourself, and we will see you in a few days.” Beverley’s emotional farewell was a moment that left everyone in the camp in shock, with Adam in tears, saying, “It is so sad to see her go out like that,” and Scarlett Moffatt adding, “The camp won’t be the same without her.”
Reflecting on Her I’m A Celebrity Experience
Despite the heartache of leaving the show early, Beverley reflected on her time in the I’m A Celebrity camp with great fondness. “I had the experience of a lifetime. The people were amazing. They were the best bunch of people ever. Yes, we were hungry and we were dirty, but it was wonderful,” she said, speaking warmly about her fellow contestants and the unforgettable experience.
Her departure was not just physically taxing, but emotionally draining as well. Beverley, who had previously competed in the 2020 season, admitted that she had faced additional challenges after taking part in the previous series, where she had just had a new hip. “I hated that, because I’m not like that. I wanted to be up for everything, and this time I could be,” she shared. The contrast between her two I’m A Celebrity appearances left her feeling grateful for the opportunity to participate again in 2023.
The Cancer Diagnosis: A New Battle
Beverley’s emotional journey took another painful turn when she was diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer. On February 6, 2026, she shared the heartbreaking news with her followers. Just 14 days later, she underwent surgery to remove multiple lymph nodes as a precautionary measure. While the surgery was deemed successful, it was revealed that cancer had spread to one of her lymph nodes.
In a video update, Beverley explained that the cancer was found in the first lymph node, but not in the second or third. She said, “It’s in the first lymph node, it’s not in the second, two and three. So it is there, but it’s only small.” This news, though somewhat relieving in its nature, still posed significant worry. Beverley shared that the affected lymph node would be sent to America to assess the aggressiveness of the cancer. Depending on the results, she could face chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, or just radiotherapy if the cancer is less aggressive.
The Waiting Game: A Time of Uncertainty
The uncertainty surrounding her diagnosis has been one of the most challenging aspects of this journey. Beverley described the agonizing two-month wait for the surgery results, a period that was “an absolute pain.” However, she maintained an optimistic outlook, saying, “I’m sure loads of you have been through the same thing. So that’s the state of play.”
Despite the delays in receiving her results, Beverley expressed gratitude for the positive outcome of her surgery. “In one way, it was kind of good news that the surgeries worked well, which I’m really pleased about,” she shared, “but because it’s in the lymph nodes, it’s still a worry.” This bittersweet sense of relief coupled with the looming uncertainty has been difficult, but Beverley remains determined to fight.
A Fighter: Beverley’s Determination to Overcome
Beverley’s journey is one of strength, resilience, and determination. Despite the fear and uncertainty that accompanies her diagnosis, she is committed to fighting the disease with everything she has. “I will beat this,” she said with unwavering conviction in her Instagram video. “I’ve been through a lot, and I know a lot of people are going through the same thing. But I’ll keep going.”
Her positive attitude and determination to fight not only inspire her fans but also serve as a reminder that the battle with cancer is one that many face, and it’s one that can be won with the right mindset and support.
Looking Ahead: Support and Hope
As Beverley continues to navigate her breast cancer journey, her fans, family, and friends are rallying behind her. From the heartwarming tributes shared after her departure from I’m A Celebrity to the ongoing support she’s receiving online, it’s clear that Beverley is not facing this battle alone.
With hope on the horizon, Beverley’s story of courage and resilience will continue to inspire many as she fights for her health and a future free from cancer.
