Beverley Callard ‘popping champagne’ after great news in breast cancer battle

By Carla Feric, Press Association Entertainment Reporter

Soap star Beverley Callard is “popping the champagne” after being told she can receive radiotherapy in her ongoing breast cancer battle.

The 69-year-old actress revealed she was diagnosed with the disease in February and has since been documenting her treatment including recent surgery to remove the cancer.

The Coronation Street actress revealed the “absolutely great news” that she can begin the “next steps” in her cancer journey in a post to Instagram on Thursday.

In the video, shared with her 309,000 followers, Callard said: “Well, I got absolutely great news today. I’ve been waiting for my results, as you know.”

The actress explained she had a sample from her lymph nodes “that had cancer in” sent to America to be tested, to “see how aggressive the cancer would be”.

She said: “It’s on low numbers, that’s what they’ve told me. So that’s really good.

“That means I can begin the radiotherapy very soon, which I’m pleased about. So the next step is coming ahead.”

Callard thanked her followers for their support, and added: “I’m popping the champagne, yay!”

Beneath the post, she wrote: “Well… the results are in and we are popping the champagne! I can’t begin to explain the relief… now on to the next steps. What a journey it’s been so far… sending love and thanks to everyone.”

The comments were flooded with support from fans and celebrities alike, including fellow I’m A Celeb… South Africa co-star Seann Walsh who wrote: “Oh my God, I’m so happy Bev.”

While appearing on the ITV reality show, which was filmed last autumn, Callard was advised by medics to leave days before the final after she told campmates she had “a bit of a funny turn”.

The star has since revealed on Instagram that her departure from the series marked the start of her breast cancer diagnosis, and said watching it back was “emotional”.