Beverley Callard, the soap star known for her role as Liz McDonald in Coronation Street, has exited the ITV reality show I’m A Celebrity… South Africa after collapsing in the jungle camp. This incident occurred before she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which she revealed in February, several months after the filming of the show.
Beverley Callard: what to know
Health Concerns in the Jungle
During a recent episode, Callard became emotional as she announced her departure from the show, stating she was “absolutely gutted.” She explained that she had not been feeling well in the days leading up to her exit. In an Instagram video, she recounted passing out after feeling unwell and losing consciousness for a brief period. Medical staff attended to her and advised that she could not return to the camp.
Callard expressed her desire to continue in the competition, saying, “I wanted to prove that older women could do it.” She was consoled by her fellow contestants, including Scarlett Moffatt, who acknowledged the importance of Callard’s health over the competition.
Emotional Departure
In her farewell to the other celebrities, Callard shared her disappointment, stating, “I don’t want to go, I’m really sorry.” She emphasized her pride in what she had achieved during her time on the show and her determination to overcome her health challenges, saying, “I will beat this.” In her Instagram caption, she reiterated her belief that age is just a number.
Callard’s exit from the show has drawn attention not only to her personal health battle but also to the emotional dynamics within the camp as contestants navigate the pressures of the competition alongside personal struggles.
Other Camp Drama
In addition to Callard’s departure, the episode featured tensions between Adam Thomas and Jimmy Bullard. Bullard quit the show during a trial, which led to Thomas’s elimination. Thomas expressed his frustration, stating, “Jim, don’t do this bro, come on!” Their conflict highlighted the emotional strain contestants face in the competition.
Thomas also had a contentious relationship with David Haye, who criticized him for opting out of challenges due to health concerns. Despite the disagreements, Thomas later reflected on the experience, acknowledging the challenges he faced while living with psoriatic arthritis.
As the show continues, the focus remains on the health and well-being of the contestants, particularly in light of Callard’s recent diagnosis and the emotional challenges faced by others in the camp.