Beverley Callard, the much-loved veteran of British television, was forced to make an emotional exit from I’m A Celebrity… South Africa just days before the series finale, after being advised by medics not to return to the camp on health grounds. Her departure, which aired on April 21, 2026, left fellow contestants and fans both shocked and saddened, as the former Coronation Street star had been a beacon of resilience and camaraderie throughout her time in the jungle.
Callard’s exit was broadcast during an episode packed with twists, but her announcement to her campmates was the moment that truly stole the show. Standing before the group, she broke the news with visible emotion: “Hi guys, I’ve just got something to tell you all. I didn’t feel very well this morning… and the medics have advised I can’t return to camp. I’ve got to go home. I don’t want to go. I’m absolutely gutted. I wanted to finish.” According to ITV, her disappointment was palpable, as she added, “I wanted to prove older women could do it.”
While Callard did not specify the exact medical issue that forced her departure, she later revealed to fans that she had suffered a “funny turn” and lost consciousness in the Bush Telegraph before being treated by medics. In a heartfelt video shared after the episode aired, Callard reflected, “That was such an emotional watch… especially knowing what I know now. I wanted to prove that age is just a number and I feel so proud of what I achieved. Just got to get through this real-life trial now.” (Digital Spy)
The news of her exit was met with an outpouring of support, both from fellow contestants and the public. Scarlett Moffatt, a fellow camper, reassured her, saying, “Your health is more important,” while Adam Thomas was visibly moved, telling her, “Look how far you have come. I’m so proud of you.” Sinitta, another campmate, described Callard as “my inspiration,” adding, “She gives me that. She’s an amazing woman.” Fans, too, flooded social media with messages of admiration. One wrote, “Absolutely incredible woman. Love her so much,” while another declared, “Devastated she was my winner!! Loved her for years!!! She was bloody incredible in there!!” (Digital Spy)
Behind the scenes, Callard was facing a battle far greater than any jungle trial. In February 2026, after the series had finished filming in autumn 2025, Callard was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer. She has since been candid about her journey, updating fans on her progress and the challenges she faces. On April 19, 2026, just days before her exit aired, she admitted she had been “completely wiped out” by her cancer results, saying, “Because it’s in the lymph nodes, it’s still a worry.”
Callard underwent surgery to remove the cancer and three lymph nodes. She explained, “The surgery went really well, and they managed to cut the cancer out. They also took three lymph nodes… the cancer is in the first lymph node. It’s not in the second two and three. So it is there, but it’s only small.” Samples were sent to America for further testing to determine the aggressiveness of the cancer, with results expected in approximately two weeks after mid-April. Depending on those results, her treatment plan could involve chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, or, if the cancer is less aggressive, just radiotherapy. “If it’s aggressive, I will have to undergo chemotherapy first, then radiotherapy. If it’s not aggressive, I will have the radiotherapy as planned,” she told her followers.
Despite these daunting circumstances, Callard has remained remarkably positive. In an update shared shortly after her surgery, she said, “I’ve been resting constantly. I’ve had to, yesterday, John didn’t let me do anything. Today, our furniture started to arrive. John didn’t let me do anything. Hopefully, I’ll be keep feeling well and get better. But I’m good, I’m good. Got the big I’m A Celebrity final on Friday – which I’m very excited about, so I’ve got to get myself well for that.” (ITV)
For Callard, her time in South Africa was more than just a television challenge—it was a deeply personal journey. In her first interview following her exit, she described the experience as “the experience of a lifetime,” praising her fellow contestants and the unique bonds they formed. “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 told The Mirror. She reminisced about the early days in “Savannah Scrub,” struggling with basic rations and camp chores, and the relief when they were moved to the main camp, likening it to “moving into a five star hotel!”
Callard also reflected on how this experience surpassed her previous stint in the jungle in 2020. “This time completely overshadowed 2020. I’m so glad I said yes, because I did have to think about it. I’ve been covered in bugs before, did I really want to do it again? Also, last time I’d just had a new hip, so there were a lot of challenges I wasn’t allowed to do. I hated that, because I’m not like that. I wanted to be up for everything and this time I could be. The sunshine and the climate changed everything. It completely knocked 2020 out of the park.”
The camaraderie among campmates was a recurring theme in her recollections. She singled out late arrivals Harry Redknapp and Jimmy Bullard for praise, saying, “When Harry and Jimmy arrived, that was just fantastic. I’d never met either of them before. Harry has made me fall in love with his wife, Sandra, even though I’ve never met her! He’s one of those people, you want to go up to and listen to. You feel like he’s the most understanding person in the world.” She also highlighted Sinitta’s sensitivity and the deep, personal conversations that developed in camp, noting how quickly the group bonded.
Her departure left a noticeable void in the camp. Adam Thomas, moved to tears, admitted, “I don’t know why, it just really hit home. It is so sad to see her go out like that.” Scarlett Moffatt echoed the sentiment, saying, “Selfishly I would want her to stay but her health is more important. The camp will really not be the same without her.”
As the I’m A Celebrity… South Africa final approached on April 24, 2026, Callard’s journey served as a poignant reminder of both the physical and emotional demands of reality television—and the strength it takes to face life’s greatest challenges head-on. Her story resonated far beyond the jungle, inspiring viewers and reminding many that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is to put your health first and keep fighting, no matter what trials come your way.