Coronation Street star Beverley Callard has revealed that her previous appearance on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! significantly boosted her confidence and helped combat her "low self-esteem".
The actor, 69, best known for her role as Liz McDonald on the ITV soap, is set to return to the jungle for the new all-star series, I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! South Africa.
Callard first participated in the reality show in 2020, when it was filmed in a Welsh castle due to the Covid pandemic, finishing in 10th place.
Reflecting on the impact of her initial stint, she stated: "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 actor expressed her surprise at being invited back, adding that she was "gobsmacked" to receive the call. She explained: "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."
Among those joining Callard in the South African jungle are 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 was runner-up in the 2012 series, shared how the show transformed her life: "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."
She continued: "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."
Roberts is looking forward to a "digital detox" but remains wary of the strict camp diet, noting: "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."
Sir Mo Farah, who has since retired from long-distance running after his 2020 appearance, anticipates being more open with his fellow celebrities this time.
He remarked: "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."
The extensive line-up also includes comedian Seann Walsh, pop star Sinitta, Red Dwarf actor Craig Charles, ex-footballer Jimmy Bullard, former football manager Harry Redknapp, and actor Adam Thomas.
A new feature for this pre-recorded series, hosted by Ant and Dec, will allow the public to vote for the "ultimate legend 2026" in a live grand final broadcast directly from London. The inaugural South Africa series in 2023 was won by Myleene Klass, a former runner-up of the Australian version.
I’m A Celebrity… South Africa is scheduled to begin on Monday, April 6, at 9pm on ITV1, airing every weeknight from Monday to Friday.
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