Veteran soap star Beverley Callard was forced to withdraw from I’m A Celebrity…South Africa due to health reasons.
The actor, widely recognised for her long-standing role as Liz McDonald in Coronation Street, shared the news with her fellow campmates during Tuesday night’s pre-recorded episode.
Visibly emotional, Callard expressed that she was "absolutely gutted" to be leaving the all-star ITV reality series, having appeared alongside a number of other celebrities.
Appearing emotional she said: “Hi guys. I’ve just got something to tell you all
“I didn’t feel very well this morning. I had a bit of a funny turn, and they’ve said I can’t come back in. I’ve got to come out.
“I don’t want to go, I’m really sorry.
“I’m absolutely gutted. I wanted to finish.
“I wanted to prove that older women could do it.”
She was immediately consoled by her fellow campmates including former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt who later told the Bush telegraph: “Selfishly, I would want Bev to stay, because she’s like everyone’s camp mam, but her health is more important.
Singer Sinitta also said: “Beverley is my inspiration.
“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.”
The series was reportedly filmed in autumn last year.
In February, Callard revealed she was diagnosed with breast cancer and that she would be receiving further treatment.
On Sunday, April 19, Callard said she has been “completely wiped out” by her cancer results.
“Because it's in the lymph nodes, it's still a worry,” she said in a previous post.
In an update shared last week, the actor said she is trying to be "brave and strong" after a "weird" cancer update.
I’m A Celebrity… South Africa airs at 9pm on weeknights on ITV1, STV, ITVX and STV Player.
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