Beverley Callard has reportedly signed up to appear on the new series of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, five years on from her stint on the original programme

Beverley Callard has reportedly signed up to appear on the new series of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa. The actress, 68, who is best known for her portrayal of Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald on Coronation Street, initially appeared on the regular version of the ITV reality show when production was forced away from Australia in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic and moved to a Welsh castle.

But Beverley couldn’t refuse the opportunity to experience the tough competition series in a much warmer climate, and insiders have claimed that she is abroad filming the programme.

A source said: “Beverley’s first taste of I’m A Celebrity was in a cold, wet castle in Wales and it was a tough experience – although she loved making so many new friends.”

Speaking to The Sun, the insider added: “When the chance came up to fly to South Africa and have a second spin of the wheel, she jumped at the chance. She is out there now filming and will be trying her best to make it through to the final.”

Beverley first appeared on Coronation Street in the role of Liz in 1989, and was famously married to Jim McDonald (Charlie Lawson), but quit almost a decade later. She reprised the role for various long stints over the years, but waved goodbye to Weatherfield for good just over five years ago.

Outside of Coronation Street, she is known for her role as Flo Henshaw on Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, and has appeared in pantomime at Christmas several times over the years. But she has endured financial struggles at times. She set up a personal services company called JMBJ Limited after leaving Corrie but it went voluntary liquidation after owing more than £100,000 in taxes.

She was paid a reported £125,000 for her 2020 stint on I’m A Celebrity, and, in making her comeback with the All-Stars edition of the programme, she joins a whole host of famous faces from previous series of the challenge show.

Last time it was Myleene Klass who won the title of “legend” in the pre-recorded show; this time it will be down to the audience to decide. TOWIE star Gemma Collins is on the billing, along with Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts and Olympian Mo Farrah.

They are reportedly being joined by Waterloo Road star Adam Thomas, So Macho singer Sinitta, Gogglebox legend Scarlett Moffatt, who won the regular version of the show in 2016, boxer David Haye and 2018 King of the Jungle Harry Redknapp.

Craig Charles, who starred as Lloyd Mullaney on Coronation Street and at one point had a relationship with Liz, will also compete on the new series.

Beverley first appeared on Coronation Street as Liz in 1989 and her character was famously married to Jim McDonald(Image: Granada Television)

The series, set to air later this year, will offer fans a chance to see these former contestants tackle the challenges they had to leave behind years ago, with the added pressure of a high-profile All Stars cast.

An ITV spokesperson added: “Any names suggested for I’m A Celebrity South Africa are speculation,” keeping the official line up under wraps for now, but insiders confirm that the returning stars are already generating buzz.

The All Stars version will be filmed in Kruger National Park, one of Africa’s largest game reserves with a huge density of wild animals including lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalos.