Beverley Callard: speaking out about mental health issues Pic: ©ITV
Corrie actress Beverley Callard has revealed that she has been getting professional help after suffering a nervous breakdown and depression.
The 52-year-old, who plays the long-running role of barmaid Liz MacDonald in the soap, has revealed her mental health struggles for the first time.
The star decided to speak out about her own battle after working with the mental health charity Mind, in a bid to get rid of the stigma associated with mental health problems.
In a statement released by the actress, she said: I have been speaking to the mental health charity Mind about lending my support to the work they do - I feel it is really important to try and help lift the stigma that makes life so difficult for the one in four people who experience mental health problems."
She added: "Being able to recover out of the media spotlight has hugely helped me and meant that I could return to work last year whilst still receiving treatment as an outpatient. Now I feel able to speak about what I went through and thank everyone for their support."
Bev suffered a 'serious' breakdown last year, and received treatment at The Priory clinic. During her stay, her character Liz was briefly written out of the plot, when her character was said to be holidaying in Spain.
She is now back on screens as the bubbly barmaid, and thanked those around her for helping get her back on track, and a Corrie spokesman said that the team is “delighted” to have the actress back on TV.
"Everyone at ITV has been behind Beverley through this very difficult time. We are extremely proud of the huge progress she has made and delighted that she is back on screen at the centre of the show and we continue to support her."
