Coronation Street star Beverley Callard has said the reality series I’m A Celebrity helped her with her “low self-esteem” and gave her a sense of confidence.
The actress, 69, known for playing Liz McDonald on the ITV soap, will return to the jungle for the a new all-star series of ITV’s I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa.
Callard previously appeared on the reality show in 2020 when it took place in a Welsh castle during the Covid pandemic – with the actress coming in 10th place.
Speaking about how the series changed her, she said: “It gave me confidence.
“I do tend to suffer from low self-esteem and without sounding big-headed, because people kept telling me they loved me and how down to earth I was, it gave me confidence and it was lovely to be with such a wonderful group of people.”
The actress added that she was “gobsmacked” to receive the call to return to the jungle.
She said: “I was really flattered when I got the call.
“In fact, I was gobsmacked! But I said ‘yes’ because Wales was so different. We didn’t get to experience the Australian jungle and the bedroom was minus one.
“To be part of the South Africa jungle is going to be a very different experience.”
Joining her in the jungle is TV personality Gemma Collins, Olympian Sir Mo Farah, former Gogglebox star Scarlett Moffatt, champion boxer David Haye and Pussycat Dolls singer Ashley Roberts.
Roberts, who finished second on the 2012 series said: “This show changed my life.
“I’ve lived in the UK ever since I left the jungle 14 years ago and that in itself is amazing.
“When I got the call, I knew it was going to be nuts again, but what a beautiful gift the programme gave me and so I said yes.
“I’m intrigued, interested but also scared to see what I am up against now.
“But I know doing this show really does make you feel alive and it’s so empowering.”
The singer added that she is excited for a “digital detox”, however, is concerned about the strict camp diet.
She said: “It is tough being in the camp.
“Those first few days you really miss home and it really reminds you how life is so precious and how the connections with loved ones are so meaningful.
“But the people in the camp really do make it and I hope there will be another group of great people I can make friends for life with.
“I’m looking forward to another digital detox but as far as the food goes, that was so challenging.”
Sir Mo, who retired from long distance running since he last appeared on the show in 2020, added that he thinks he will be more open in the camp with his fellow celebrity stars.
He said: “The last time I was in there was hard, because I was still competing and you worry about what you can and can’t say.
“You have to be very respectful of the other athletes. This time around, I am retired. I’ve got nothing to prove and I can be more open. I can talk about things in more detail like the training I used to do for my running.”
Others joining the series include comedian Seann Walsh, pop star Sinitta, Red Dwarf star Craig Charles and ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard.
The line-up is completed by former football manager Harry Redknapp and actor Adam Thomas.
A new element for the second series of I’m A Celebrity… South Africa, which has been pre-recorded and hosted by Ant and Dec, will give the viewing public the power to decide who is crowned the “ultimate legend 2026”.
Fans will be able to have their say and cast their vote for the winner in a live grand final broadcast direct from London.
The first South Africa series aired in 2023 and was won by former Australian series runner-up Myleene Klass.
I’m A Celebrity… South Africa starts on Monday April 6 at 9pm on ITV1 and airs every weeknight (Monday to Friday).
