Normally you curtsy when you’re in the presence of royalty. But soap queen Beverley Callard couldn’t be more down to earth when she sits down to tell her bombshell news − after 30 years playing the feisty Liz McDonald on Coronation Street, she’s passing on her crown.
If you’re picturing her lounging at the poolside with a piña colada in hand for the foreseeable future or joining the comfy slippers brigade, then think again! At the age of 62 and frustrated beyond belief about the lack of decent roles for older actresses, she’s swapping a secure job that she loves for a thrilling new venture that’s set to take her far from the cobbles of Weatherfield.
The seed of her brave, but difficult, decision was planted in August when Bev starred in The Rocky Horror Show.
The following month, after a knockout performance on stage as Roxanne in The Thunder Girls, her mind was made up.
“There’s very little work in our industry for women over 50, but I’m 62 and recently I was doing three jobs at once,” she tells.
“It made me realise how I was privileged to have the opportunity to do so when so many women my age no longer get the chance.
“So although I’ve had to leave the safety net of being in Coronation Street to do this, I’m hoping that ageist bosses, of which there are many, take note of how successful this show is and it starts the ball rolling on helping other women my age get the roles they still deserve.”
She’s still madly in love with husband number four, recording studio boss Jon McEwan who she wed in 2010.
The genuine affection and humour they share is evident as they joke around while the lunch orders are called (grilled halloumi and salad washed down with a strong builder’s tea for Bev, if you’re wondering!)
Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin December 23 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye New Zealand Woman's Weekly dergisinin December 23 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Sweet SUCCESS
Delicious twists on traditional favourites
Calzone CRAVING
Anything you can put on top of a pizza can go inside these air fryer Italian turnovers
Kai & kindness - ‘OUR RECIPE FOR A GOOD LIFE'
The foodie and her brother have dished up a cookbook full of comfort
Kia Ora Dame! 'I HAD A BIGGER PURPOSE'
It could have taken a toll on her, but Naida's phone greeting started a legacy
Dame Hinewehi's healing haka - 'IT'S GOING TO CHANGE LIVES'
Beating a world record is personal for the music therapy founder
Unbreakable Mamie - 'I'M READY TO FAMOUS!' BE
The TV star and model is excited about what the future holds
Below Deck detective - CAPTAIN LEE'S SEA CHANGE
The superyacht hero's family tragedy has led him to navigate scary waters
Swings & roundabouts - OWEN'S BIG KID PROJECT
Playtime's a whole lot more fun thanks to the radio host
Haunted by tragedy - KATE'S SHOCK LOSS
The star is still dealing with the death of her dad when she was aged four
Top-secret royal plan - BRINGING HARRY HOME
Disillusioned with life in the US, the prince is reaching out to friends in the UK