Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard has marked a significant milestone in her breast cancer journey: she has completed her final radiotherapy session. The actress, known for her iconic role as Liz McDonald, has been keeping fans updated since announcing her diagnosis in February via Instagram, where each post has been met with an outpouring of love and support.
Diagnosis and Discovery
Appearing on RTÉ's The Late Late Show, Beverley told host Patrick Kielty how she learned she had the disease. 'I was in my dressing room at Fair City, getting ready to go on, and I was quite nervous and thinking, 'I hope everybody thinks I'm all right', and my consultant rang me and said, 'You've got to come back to the UK.' 'I said, 'Well I can't possibly, I've just taken a new job, I'm away for a month'.' She added: 'I was diagnosed with breast cancer, but I'm fine. I'm absolutely fine.'
Celebrating the End of Radiotherapy
Uploading a video from a lush outdoor location, Beverley began the clip with a huge smile. 'I've done it!' she announced with genuine joy. 'I've just finished my last radiotherapy session, fingers crossed. That was number 10 for me and, lots of people have to have lots more, I know that. But for now, that's finished. So hopefully – I don't know for sure – but hopefully I won't need any more.'
Her husband, Jon McEwan, reminded her to stay positive: 'Positive thinking, darling!' Beverley replied, 'I know, positive thinking, yes, definitely.' Speaking on how she feels about the milestone, she said: 'So, to be honest, I feel a bit numb, because yesterday I really struggled, but today I've been fine.'
Next Steps and Support
Beverley explained: 'And now I've got to see the professor again in two months, and then I'll know a lot more. Mammograms and oncologists and all that, but radiotherapy is finished for now, so I'm really thrilled.' She added: 'I'm not going to celebrate tonight. We're too tired. We can't be bothered. I'm going to put scruffy clothes on and just sit and watch TV with a cup of tea.'
The video caption read: 'And that's a wrap on radiotherapy! 10 sessions over and done with! Lots more appointments down the line but for now…I'm so happy for it to be over! Celebrating with a cuppa on the sofa.'
Outpouring of Love
The comments section was flooded with support. Former co-stars Denise Welch and Anthony Crank wrote 'Woohoo!!!!' and 'Well done you WARRIOR', respectively. Fan @houlihan said: 'Well done and congratulations Beverly. It's a wonderful day and a surreal day as well. Enjoy your time now….all will be well.' @duffyjane added: 'I am so happy for you Beverley! You are always so positive and caring towards others going through their own cancer journey. Enjoy your cuppa and have a lovely weekend. Jon is incredible too btw.' @lynloosley said: 'So happy for you Beverley. You are so strong and have Jon by your side for support. Wishing you well in your journey ahead.' @dr.andy.hill.bsc said: 'Glad you've finished that and that you got over your wobble from yesterday. Yes positivity, that's the end of radiotherapy!'
@heather0359 shared her own experience: 'Well done. I went off on holiday to France early the following morning after I finished 15 rounds! it was booked before I was diagnosed and truly the best way to celebrate being cancer free – I didn't have tea.' @susie_red4 added: 'You did it! Well done Bev! Have a nice rest and enjoy your cuppa tea with John and your doggies xx.'
