Hello and welcome back to our roundup of news from across the industry. From stage to screens big and small, we’ve got you covered. It’s everything you need to know and all you can’t afford to miss. New company to celebrate northern talent.Playwright Jim Cartwright is to establish a new theatre company based in Salford to showcase the best of northern talent. The writer of “The Rise and Fall of Little Voice” and “Road”, recently revived at The Royal Court, has previously called for the vibrant northern theatre scene and working-class voices to be celebrated. Based in Salford University’s new £55m arts centre, actors Warren Brown (“Luther”) and Julie Hesmondhalgh (“Broadchurch”) are to help launch the company on Dec 1. Also performing “Burning Bright”, a selection of Cartwright’s monologues, will be Sue Johnston and Beverley Callard. It will be the inaugural performance inside the 350 seat New Adelphi,...
- 11/28/2017
- backstage.com
Beverley Callard is ''sick'' of using fake props on the set of 'Coronation Street'. The 58-year-old actress and the rest of the cast are reportedly ''furious'' that the ITV soap use the likes of fake flowers and cakes on set as they don't want to look like ''amateur'' actors. A source said: ''Every time the cast has to work with something like flowers or a cake, it's fake. This week they filmed a scene where Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) gave his wife Michelle (Kym Marsh) a bunch of flowers and they obviously weren't real. ''The stars are all furious because they want proper...
- 3/6/2016
- Virgin Media - TV
Simon Gregson's return to 'Coronation Street' was disrupted when his on-screen mum fell ill. The soap star, who has played Steve McDonald on the ITV hit show since his debut in 1989, was set to revisit the cobbled streets after a five month break only to have two scenes cut because of Beverley Callard's sickness. A source told The Sun newspaper: ''Everyone was worried it would be a one-in, one-out situation and they'd have to send Bev off to Spain too.'' The former Rovers Return landlord - who left the series after his last storyline saw him battle against depression and...
- 3/2/2016
- Virgin Media - TV
Simon Gregson's return to 'Coronation Street' was disrupted when his on-screen mum fell ill. The soap star, who has played Steve McDonald on the ITV hit show since his debut in 1989, was set to revisit the cobbled streets after a five month break only to have two scenes cut because of Beverley Callard's sickness. A source told The Sun newspaper: ''Everyone was worried it would be a one-in, one-out situation and they'd have to send Bev off to Spain too.'' The former Rovers Return landlord - who left the series after his last storyline saw him battle against depression and...
- 2/29/2016
- Virgin Media - TV
Loose Women will be broadcasting a special takeover show from the Coronation Street set later this week.
The programme will air live from the cobbles with a studio audience in the Rovers Return, which now forms part of Coronation Street The Tour.
Andrea McLean, Jane Moore and Jamelia will be presenting from the iconic pub, while Nadia Sawalha will act as a roving reporter from the new Corrie set in Media City.
A different female cast member will join the Loose Women panel for each part of the programme and a host of Coronation Street guests will be speaking to the women throughout the show.
Fans can also look forward to some extra show gossip as Sawalha goes behind-the-scenes to get some exclusive secrets.
Actress Beverley Callard - who plays Liz McDonald and will be one of the guest panellists - said: "I am looking forward to being part of...
The programme will air live from the cobbles with a studio audience in the Rovers Return, which now forms part of Coronation Street The Tour.
Andrea McLean, Jane Moore and Jamelia will be presenting from the iconic pub, while Nadia Sawalha will act as a roving reporter from the new Corrie set in Media City.
A different female cast member will join the Loose Women panel for each part of the programme and a host of Coronation Street guests will be speaking to the women throughout the show.
Fans can also look forward to some extra show gossip as Sawalha goes behind-the-scenes to get some exclusive secrets.
Actress Beverley Callard - who plays Liz McDonald and will be one of the guest panellists - said: "I am looking forward to being part of...
- 9/7/2015
- Digital Spy
Beverley Callard believes Anne Kirkbride ''knew'' she was dying. The 58-year-old actress has revealed how she felt when she went to visit her best friend and 'Coronation Street' co-star - who died, aged 60, from cancer - on her death bed in January. Beverley - who plays Liz McDonald on the ITV soap - said: We took turns sitting with her, stroking her head and her hand. We kissed her and hugged her. We were talking to her all the time so she knew how loved she was, how much we cared about her and that we were all there for her. ''Without...
- 6/28/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Beverley Callard believes Anne Kirkbride ''knew'' she was dying. The 58-year-old actress has revealed how she felt when she went to visit her best friend and 'Coronation Street' co-star - who died, aged 60, from cancer - on her death bed in January. Beverley - who plays Liz McDonald on the ITV soap - said: We took turns sitting with her, stroking her head and her hand. We kissed her and hugged her. We were talking to her all the time so she knew how loved she was, how much we cared about her and that we were all there for her. ''Without...
- 6/25/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
'Coronation Street's Leanne Battersby is to be held hostage. The former prostitute, who is played by the actress Jane Danson, is set to come face to face with a twisted ex-client when he begins dating Rovers Return barmaid Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard). The explosive episodes will see Dan Jones trap a terrified Leanne - who is still mourning the death of her fiancé Kal Nazir - in her flat and beat her, leaving her terrified for her stepson Simon's safety. A source shared: ''This will be yet another horrific ordeal for Leanne, following Kal's death. ''She knows from the past experience what Dan is...
- 6/15/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Anne Kirkbride was honoured with a memorial service on Saturday (30.05.15). Stars from 'Coronation Street' as well as friends and family attended the service at Manchester Cathedral to pay their respects to the late actress, who played Deirdre Barlow in the soap, following her death from cancer aged 60 back in January. The 600-strong congregation included famous faces from the ITV soap such as Liz Dawn (Vera Duckworth), Julie Hesmondhalgh (Hayley Cropper), Helen Worth (Gail McIntyre) and Kym Marsh (Michelle Connor), with some of the longest-running screen stars speaking at the memorial. Beverley Callard - who plays Liz McDonald - cracked jokes about...
- 5/31/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Beverley Callard knew her ''work sister'' Anne Kirkbride was never coming back to 'Coronation Street' after the soap legend was signed off as sick. After 42 years on the ITV soap, Anne had stopped working months before she passed away aged 60 from breast cancer in January this year but the majority of the 'Corrie' cast thought she would be back playing Deirdre Barlow. However, Anne's ''best friend'' Beverley - who plays Liz McDonald on the soap - was one of the few people aware of how sick she really was. The 58-year-old actress said: ''I knew she wasn't coming back to work...
- 5/20/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Andrew Paul has joined the cast of 'Coronation Street'. The former 'The Bill' actor will play brewery worker Dan Jones, who embarks on a romance with Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) after she learns Tony Stewart has cheated on her with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford). However, Liz could be in for a shock as Dan has a ''dark secret'' that connects him to another local resident. A source told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ''Dan is a good looking charmer with a great line in patter and Liz McDonald is soon well and truly on the rebound from Tony and falling for him. But what...
- 5/7/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Tracy Barlow is to seek revenge on Carla Connor in 'Coronation Street'. Tracey, who is played by the actress Kate Ford, will see her hatred for businesswoman Carla (Alison King) reach new heights when she discovers she's unknowingly ruined her and Tony's plans to take over the Rovers Return pub. Tracy - who will be consumed by rage for those who she thinks have wronged her - will challenge Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) to a showdown and reveal every excruciating detail of her and Liz's boyfriend Tony's affair and how they planned to steal the pub from her and her family. Tracy's...
- 4/29/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Sarah-Louise Platt is coming back to 'Coronation Street' as a barmaid in the Rovers Return. Tina O'Brien is returning as the character after seven years away from Weatherfield and Sarah will be put behind the bar of the famous pub later this month. Sarah will take Eileen Grimshaw's job which will lead to ever more tensions between Eileen and Sarah's mother Gail McIntyre. The decision to get Sarah pulling pints means Tina will be at the heart of the show and will follow in the footsteps of such 'Corrie' legends as Julie Goodyear, Beverley Callard and Elizabeth Dawn. A source on the programme told...
- 3/17/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
'Coronation Street' bosses will pay tribute to the late Anne Kirkbride by keeping her name plate on her dressing room door. The actress - who passed away from breast cancer, aged 60, in January - will be immortalised in the ITV studios, despite the room now being occupied by her close friend Beverley Callard, who plays Liz McDonald in the soap. Anne starred as Deirdre Barlow on the popular show for 42 years and is greatly missed by her cast mates who are keen to keep her legacy alive. Brooke Vincent, who plays Sophie Webster, told The Sun newspaper: ''Anne is still...
- 3/12/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
'Coronation Street' bosses will pay tribute to the late Anne Kirkbride by keeping her name plate on her dressing room door. The actress - who passed away from breast cancer, aged 60, in January - will be immortalised in the ITV studios, despite the room now being occupied by her close friend Beverley Callard, who plays Liz McDonald in the soap. Anne starred as Deirdre Barlow on the popular show for 42 years and is greatly missed by her cast mates who are keen to keep her legacy alive. Brooke Vincent, who plays Sophie Webster, told The Sun newspaper: ''Anne is still...
- 3/10/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Beverley Callard says Anne Kirkbride's funeral was ''beautiful''. The 'Coronation Street' star was among the mourners at her friend and co-star's funeral on Tuesday (27.01.15) and thinks the actress - who died of cancer aged 60 last week - would have been ''proud'' of the small private service arranged by her husband David Beckett. She Tweeted: ''My friend Annie had a beautiful send off today! Dave did her proud!!! No show biz, no hypocrisy! A truly beautiful, loving Goodbye!! X (sic)'' Beverley made a speech at the funeral and was praised for her ''warm and touching'' words. One Twitter user wrote: ''Your...
- 1/29/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Anne Kirkbride's funeral took place yesterday (27.01.15). The 'Coronation Street' legend - who died last week after battling cancer - was laid to rest in a ''small send-off'' at an undisclosed location in the North West, with castmates William Roache, Kate Ford and Beverley Callard joining her husband David Beckett, other family members and close friends for the service. A source told The Sun newspaper: ''Anne was always a private person and wanted a small send-off. That was Anne -- she didn't want a fuss.'' Anne had reportedly left instructions about which cast members she wanted at the service, and those who were...
- 1/28/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Michelle Connor and Liz McDonald will clash over Steve McDonald's care in 'Coronation Street'. The Rovers Return landlady, played by actress Kym Marsh, is set to row with barmaid Liz (Beverley Callard) over how best to treat Steve (Simon Gregson) - who is Michelle's boyfriend and Liz's son - following his revelation he's suffering from clinical depression. Kym explained: ''They both obviously want to help Steve, but because both of them are so worried about him and love him so much, they both want to help him in their own way. ''Understandably, they clash as they're both so concerned about him and want...
- 1/27/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Beverley Callard is helping to plan Anne Kirkbride's funeral. The 57-year-old actress - who appears as Liz McDonald in 'Coronation Street' - will help Anne's grief-stricken husband, David Beckett, give the actress a send-off, after she died on Monday (19.01.15) following a short battle with cancer. A source said: ''Annie's death was very sudden - no one had time to prepare for it. ''It's not like David had months or even weeks to come to terms with losing his wife. He is all over the place and struggling to take things in. ''Bev is helping him with the funeral. They want it to be...
- 1/25/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Beverley Callard is helping to plan Anne Kirkbride's funeral. The 57-year-old actress - who appears as Liz McDonald in 'Coronation Street' - will help Anne's grief-stricken husband, David Beckett, give the actress a send-off, after she died on Monday (19.01.15) following a short battle with cancer. A source said: ''Annie's death was very sudden - no one had time to prepare for it. ''It's not like David had months or even weeks to come to terms with losing his wife. He is all over the place and struggling to take things in. ''Bev is helping him with the funeral. They want it to be...
- 1/23/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
Beverley Callard is among the 'Coronation Street' stars to pay tribute to their late co-star Anne Kirkbride. The 57-year-old actress, who plays Anne's character Deirdre Barlow's pal Liz McDonald in the ITV soap, has spoken of her love for her long-time co-star following her shock passing last night (19.01.15). She wrote on Twitter: ''My beautiful darling friend, Anne Kirkbride, passed away in a room filled with love. God Bless, my Darling Girl! Peace and rest! (sic)'' Kym Marsh - who plays Rovers Return landlady Michelle Connor - confessed she was ''devastated'' to hear the beloved soap star had died aged 60. She said: ''Cannot...
- 1/20/2015
- Virgin Media - TV
ITV has released a new promotional trailer teasing Coronation Street and Emmerdale's summer storylines.
Titled 'Once Upon A Weatherfield... Happy Emmerdale After', the video features characters from each soap in twisted fairytale guises that reference their current situations.
Weatherfield pairs appearing in the clip include Carla Barlow as Red Riding Hood with her brother Rob Donovan as the Big Bad Wolf (following his secret murder of Tina McIntyre) and Leanne Tilsley with boyfriend Kal Nazir's daughter Alya as Rapunzel.
Tony Stewart (Terence Maynard) also appears in the video, and can be seen standing in front of a magic mirror with Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) before it reveals his wicked side and dealings with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford).
Ongoing Emmerdale sagas depicted in the trailer include Moira and Cain Dingle's marriage problems (using the allegory of Sleeping Beauty) and Charity Macey's ongoing deception of husband Declan, which sees her cradling a poisoned apple.
Titled 'Once Upon A Weatherfield... Happy Emmerdale After', the video features characters from each soap in twisted fairytale guises that reference their current situations.
Weatherfield pairs appearing in the clip include Carla Barlow as Red Riding Hood with her brother Rob Donovan as the Big Bad Wolf (following his secret murder of Tina McIntyre) and Leanne Tilsley with boyfriend Kal Nazir's daughter Alya as Rapunzel.
Tony Stewart (Terence Maynard) also appears in the video, and can be seen standing in front of a magic mirror with Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) before it reveals his wicked side and dealings with Tracy Barlow (Kate Ford).
Ongoing Emmerdale sagas depicted in the trailer include Moira and Cain Dingle's marriage problems (using the allegory of Sleeping Beauty) and Charity Macey's ongoing deception of husband Declan, which sees her cradling a poisoned apple.
- 7/4/2014
- Digital Spy
Silent Witness once again topped Friday night's primetime ratings, as the crime drama put BBC One ahead of its rivals.
With 5.2m (22.1%) tuning in at 9pm, the crime drama was the most popular show outside of the soaps, despite shedding 500k viewers from last week's figures.
BBC One remained on top throughout the evening, starting with The One Show drawing 4.27m (20.5%) at 7pm.
Room 101, featuring Labour peer Joan Bakewell, Pointless co-presenter Richard Osman and comedian Roisin Conaty, saw 3.41m (14.7%) tune in at 8.30pm, while The Graham Norton Show attracted 3.73m viewers at 10.45pm.
ITV held a steady audience share of around 12.6% for its primetime offerings. The Martin Lewis Money Show dropped more than 300k from last week, with 2.81m watching at 8pm (+1: 105k).
Piers Morgan's Life Stories featuring Beverley Callard attracted 2.97m an hour later (+1: 231k).
BBC Two's Mastermind boosted its audience to 2.21m (9.9%) at 8pm. An Island Parish,...
With 5.2m (22.1%) tuning in at 9pm, the crime drama was the most popular show outside of the soaps, despite shedding 500k viewers from last week's figures.
BBC One remained on top throughout the evening, starting with The One Show drawing 4.27m (20.5%) at 7pm.
Room 101, featuring Labour peer Joan Bakewell, Pointless co-presenter Richard Osman and comedian Roisin Conaty, saw 3.41m (14.7%) tune in at 8.30pm, while The Graham Norton Show attracted 3.73m viewers at 10.45pm.
ITV held a steady audience share of around 12.6% for its primetime offerings. The Martin Lewis Money Show dropped more than 300k from last week, with 2.81m watching at 8pm (+1: 105k).
Piers Morgan's Life Stories featuring Beverley Callard attracted 2.97m an hour later (+1: 231k).
BBC Two's Mastermind boosted its audience to 2.21m (9.9%) at 8pm. An Island Parish,...
- 1/25/2014
- Digital Spy
Terence Maynard has joined 'Coronation Street' as Jason Grimshaw's dad. The British actor - best known for his role as Helios in BBC One's 'Merlin' - will join the Manchester-based soap early next year to play the role of builder Jason's (Ryan Thomas) estranged father Tony Stewart. The character was previously played by 'Scum' actor Alan Igbon in 2003 and 'Corrie' bosses are now planning for 34-year-old Terence to cause a stir on his arrival in Weatherfield. It is thought that Tony will catch the eye of the Rover's Return landlady Liz McDonald (Beverley Callard) and shock his former partner Eileen Grimshaw (Sue...
- 11/15/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
Beverley Callard ''forgot'' how to play Liz McDonald. The 56-year-old actress is reprising her role as the outspoken matriarch after a two-year absence and admits she was relieved how easily the character came back to her once filming began. She said: ''On my first day I completely forgot how to play her. I couldn't remember what accent I used for her. Luckily, when I started working with Simon Gregson [who plays her on-screen son Steve], it all came back to me! After that it was like I'd never been away.'' Despite her years of experience, Beverley admits she was ''terrified'' when she first...
- 11/7/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
Beverley Callard is concerned her return to 'Coronation Street' could spark a breakdown. The 56-year-old actress - who left the soap in 2011 due to health reasons - will be stepping back onto the Cobbles as her character Liz McDonald next week, but her husband Jon is worried the pressures of the show could force her to plummet into depression. Speaking to the Radio Times, she said: ''I have been very poorly and Jon was worried I hadn't given myself enough time to be me. ''So I'm trying to be more sensible this time although I find it hard. ''I'm a...
- 10/2/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
Coronation Street's Liz McDonald is to become the Rovers Return landlady again. The brassy blonde - played by Beverley Callard - will find herself back behind the bar of the popular pub as soon as she steps foot back onto the cobbles in October after her son, Steve McDonald (Simon Gregson) buys the boozer from current owner Stella Price (Michelle Collins). After Stella decides to put her livelihood up for sale because it holds too many negative memories for her, Steve - who owned the Rovers from 2006 to 2011 - is determined to snap it up, but keeps it quiet from...
- 8/14/2013
- Virgin Media - TV
Beverley Callard is returning to 'Coronation Street'. The 56-year-old actress will stepping back onto the cobbled streets of Weatherfield as her character Liz McDonald two years after she left the soap in 2011 because of health reasons. Viewers will see Liz come back in October and she will be quick to find out what's going in the life of her son Steve (Simon Gregson) and will be surprised to discover he has rekindled his romance with Michelle Connor (Kym Marsh). The show's producer Stuart Blackburn has given Beverley - who quit the programme because she feared she was slipping back into the...
- 5/30/2013
- Virgin Media - Celebrity
Beverley Callard helped Kym Marsh celebrate her hen do in Spain over the weekend. The 'Coronation Street' actress - who has lived on and off in Spain since leaving the ITV1 soap last year - surprised her former co-star by turning up at the bash in Marbella on Saturday (28.07.12) where she had organised a meal at a local restaurant. As she arrived Kym looked thrilled to see Beverley - who played her boss Liz MacDonald in the soap - and she squealed with delight as the pair warmly embraced each other. Kym - who plays factory boss Michelle Connor - was...
- 7/30/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Beverley Callard has revealed that she was putting her mother first by quitting Coronation Street. Callard's character Liz McDonald, the Rover's Return landlady, was last seen in Weatherfield in April 2011. Speaking to The Mirror, the actress opened up about her struggle with her late mother, who lost her long battle with Alzheimer's in January. She explained: "Being ill and wanting to spend time with Mum was the real reason I had to quit Corrie last spring. "[Alzheimer]'s is the cruellest of illnesses. It takes people and robs them of everything that made them them. By the time they are finally released (more)...
- 7/16/2012
- by By Paul Millar
- Digital Spy
Beverley Callard is reportedly facing bankruptcy. The former 'Coronation Street' actress - who left her role as Liz McDonald just over a year ago - has been served with a bankruptcy order after being hit by a tax bill for £60,000 and could be forced to sell her home in Salford, Greater Manchester, to pay her debts. A source said: ''She's no option but to go bankrupt if the tax office refuse to budge.'' Beverley has been unable to work for some time due to ill health, and she even had to pull out of a stint in pantomime in Sheffield over...
- 5/23/2012
- Virgin Media - TV
Former Coronation Street star Beverley Callard has been forced to pull out of a pantomime in Sheffield for health reasons. The actress, best known for her role as Weatherfield favourite Liz McDonald, had been scheduled to appear as the Wicked Queen in a production of Sleeping Beauty at the city's Lyceum Theatre. Callard will now be replaced in the part by Margi Clarke, who played Coronation Street's Jackie Dobbs. "I am so disappointed that I won't be able to take to the stage in Sleeping Beauty at the Lyceum this Christmas," Callard told the Manchester Evening News. "I am particularly sorry I won't have the opportunity (more)...
- 11/15/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Kym Marsh has admitted that she was nervous about her return to Coronation Street. The actress, who plays Michelle Connor in the ITV1 soap, went back to work last month following the birth of daughter Polly in March. Viewers will see Michelle arrive back in Weatherfield next month with Ciaran, played by Keith Duffy, who announces that the couple are engaged. "Although I kept in touch with people like Beverley Callard (Liz McDonald), Ali King (Carla Connor) and Antony Cotton (Sean Tully) when I was off, I felt nervous going back, as I had big scenes to film," Marsh told The Mirror. "But there are other cast members that have small children and they've come back (more)...
- 10/22/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street star Malcolm Hebden and former cast member Beverley Callard have today joined the tributes which are pouring in for their late colleague Betty Driver. Driver, who played Rovers Return barmaid Betty Williams for 42 years, passed away peacefully at the age of 91 on Saturday. She had been in hospital for six weeks. Hebden, better known as Weatherfield busybody Norris Cole, told Daybreak this morning: "It's a very sad day for all of us, I'm afraid. It wasn't entirely unexpected, but Betty was such a central part of the show for so many years - I'm afraid we're all feeling a bit glum today." He continued: "Betty had been a professional and very successful since she was about 14 years old. I myself remember seeing Betty as a child, singing at the Opera House in Blackpool. She was what we call a trouper. (more)...
- 10/17/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Beverley Callard's daughter Rebecca is joining the cast of Coronation Street, it has been announced. Beverley quit her role as Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald earlier this year, after 20 years in the ITV soap. Speaking after her exit, she admitted that working on the Weatherfield drama was "not as much fun" as it used to be. Rebecca, who will initially appear as Ruth for six episodes, becomes friendly with Fiz (Jenni McAlpine) when they meet at the prison Mother and Baby Unit, according to the show's official website. However, it has been teased that the relationship between the pair will turn sour when the innocent wife of John Stape catches Ruth "doing something she shouldn't". "I've (more)...
- 6/21/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Former Coronation Street star Beverley Callard has expressed excitement over her post-soap career, revealing that she has a number of new projects lined up. The actress, who recently bowed out from her role as Liz McDonald, explained that she is expecting to be busy for at least another two years after landing some "exciting" opportunities. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Callard commented: "Fingers crossed, I'm doing really well. I left Corrie a month ago, but I suppose people have known I'd be leaving for some time, and it means I've got work things scheduled right up to February 2013. "I think a lot of people think once you get over 30 there's nothing out there for you, but hopefully I can prove them wrong. I've been so lucky, I've been sent some wonderful scripts and I'm really (more)...
- 5/4/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
A tribute programme to Coronation Street favourite Liz McDonald entertained almost 4.4m on Wednesday evening, the latest audience data has revealed. Farewell Liz, marking Beverley Callard's departure from the show after more than 20 years playing Liz McDonald, averaged 4.39m (23.8%) for ITV1 from 7.30pm and 144k (0.7%) on ITV1+1. BBC One sitcom Life Of Riley amused 3.01m (13.9%) from 8.30pm, down 1.45m week-on-week. MasterChef then cooked up 4.55m (19%) in the 9pm hour, as the final three contestants were announced. The two shows were just outperformed by Midsomer Murders, which pulled in 5m (22.2%) on ITV1 between 7.30pm and 10pm, along with 277k (1.3%) on timeshift. Psychological drama The Crimson Petal And The White slumped to 1.1m (4.7%) on BBC Two in the 9pm hour, down 400k week-on-week. Elsewhere on BBC One, Diy Sos: The Big Build (more)...
- 4/21/2011
- by By Andrew Laughlin
- Digital Spy
Beverley Callard has admitted that working on Coronation Street was "not as much fun" as it used to be. The actress made her final appearance as Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald last night. Callard, who announced her decision to quit the ITV1 soap after 21 years last October, told Channel 4's Fern that the long hours meant less time for fun between the cast. "When I very first started it was two [episodes] but we knew that we were going to three, and of course now it's five," she said. "There's no rehearsal time anymore whatsoever. I think the quality of the show is still there - and I do truly believe that - and even though I'm leaving I will always be loyal to it. It's got the best actors, the best writers, most definitely the best crews as well; the sound people, the camera men - they are amazing.
- 4/15/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Short skirts, high heels, low-cut tops... it could only be one woman. Tonight, Coronation Street will bid farewell to Liz McDonald. Beverley Callard broke the news to fans of the ITV1 soap last October. She may have been missing from the Street as the show celebrated its 50th anniversary in December, but Callard has had no shortage of drama over her two decades in the iconic role. From her volatile marriage to Jim McDonald and looking out for sons Steve (more)...
- 4/14/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Beverley Callard has admitted that she expected Liz McDonald to be killed off when she quit Coronation Street. The actress announced that she was leaving her role as the Rovers Return landlady last October. Callard previously confessed that she was "so relieved" to learn that Liz would survive the 50th anniversary tram crash. "When I handed in my notice last summer, I thought they'd probably kill me off in the tram crash," she told TV Times. "They've been very good to me; they wanted to leave the door open and wanted Liz to come back at some point and I would never say never, that's for sure." Asked what her plans for the future are, Callard said: "I (more)...
- 4/7/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Beverley Callard has admitted that she often neglected her health during her 22-year stint on Coronation Street. The actress, who will be seen leaving Weatherfield in the coming weeks, told TV Times that the demands of being a regular on such a high-profile soap left her feeling exhausted and concerned for her health. "Coronation Street is relentless," she explained. "For years I've put the job before everything. It's the only way to survive in that programme, but I'd put the job before my health and I can't do that anymore." Callard has previously spoken out about suffering (more)...
- 4/6/2011
- by By Naomi Rainey
- Digital Spy
Lisa Maxwell is reportedly being considered for a role in Coronation Street. The Loose Women star has secretly auditioned to play the new landlady of the Rovers Return following the departure of Beverley Callard, who plays Liz McDonald. However, the former Bill actress reportedly faces competition from ex-EastEnders star Michelle Collins, who apparently met with producer and close friend Phil Collinson earlier this year to discuss a role in the ITV1 soap. A Coronation (more)...
- 4/3/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Charles Lawson has confirmed that he would be willing to return to Coronation Street for more guest appearances beyond his latest stint on the soap. The actor recently filmed another short comeback as Jim McDonald, who will be seen back on screen this week as he tries to help ex-wife Liz in her hour of need. Jim's reappearance ties in with Liz's departure storyline as Beverley Callard has decided to bow out from the role to pursue new projects. In an interview on Lorraine this morning, Lawson was asked whether it could be possible for Jim to appear on Corrie even after Liz has departed. He replied: "Yeah, (more)...
- 3/21/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Coronation Street legend Beverley Callard has revealed that she is relieved her character hasn't been killed off. The actress, who announced last year that she would be leaving her role as Liz McDonald, confessed that she thought Liz might have perished in the tram crash. She admitted to The People: "I told the producers last summer I wanted to leave and was sure they'd kill Liz off in the 50th anniversary tram crash. I was so relieved to learn she wouldn't die. "My exit storyline (more)...
- 3/20/2011
- by By Colin Daniels
- Digital Spy
Beverley Callard has admitted that she was "excited" to work with Charlie Lawson again before leaving Coronation Street. The actress, who will film her final scenes as Liz McDonald this week, told The Mirror that filming with Lawson (Jim McDonald) and Simon Gregson (Steve McDonald) reminded her of "the old days" on the ITV1 soap. Teasing plot developments following Liz's return to the Street last night, Callard revealed: "I can't give too much away, but Jim basically turns up when Liz needs him most - he's (more)...
- 3/15/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Beverley Callard has admitted that working on Coronation Street can be "exhausting". The actress - who will film her final scenes as Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald this week - told The Mirror that she could not work on the show when suffering with depression two years ago. "It's the best job in the world, but the schedule can be tiring," Callard said. "It's exhausting for anybody working 12 hours a day, every single day. But when I was poorly, two years ago, I found it relentless. "Thankfully, the producers were very kind to me and gave me time off to get myself together." She continued: "I'm glad I got (more)...
- 3/15/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Katherine Kelly has revealed details about Becky and Liz McDonald's rivalry in upcoming episodes of Coronation Street. Becky, who is played by Kelly, has been running the Rovers Return in the absence of Liz (Beverley Callard). With Liz returning to the Street tonight, Kelly has now dropped hints about the rivalry on the soap's official website. She revealed: "War has been declared, and may the best woman win. Only one woman can win this - it's about territory, it's about the Rovers, it's about who is queen of the Rovers and there (more)...
- 3/14/2011
- by By Tom Eames
- Digital Spy
Beverley Callard has revealed that she will film her Coronation Street exit next week. The actress announced her decision to quit her role as Rovers Return landlady Liz McDonald last October. Press reports have claimed that her final scenes will see Liz bid an emotional farewell to the pub before leaving Weatherfield by herself. Asked if the door was being left open for a potential return to the ITV1 soap during an appearance on This Morning, Callard said: "I think it is, but we've not actually filmed it yet. I think a lot of the newspapers have run stories about the exit." She teased: (more)...
- 3/11/2011
- by By Ryan Love
- Digital Spy
Beverley Callard has admitted that she is eager to see what happens to the Rovers Return after her Coronation Street character Liz McDonald leaves the cobbles. The pub's landlady is back on screen next week but her return to Weatherfield will prove short-lived as she is expected to depart for a new life in Spain in April. Although Liz's son Steve (Simon Gregson) is staying in the area, his future at the business is currently uncertain amid his financial problems. Discussing The Rovers' future, Callard told Inside Soap: "I'm interested to see who'll rescue the pub if Steve (more)...
- 3/10/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
Jim McDonald is to hold up a building society in a shock new Coronation Street storyline, reports have claimed. The ex-convict - played by Charles Lawson - returns to the cobbles for another guest stint next month, determined to win back ex-wife Liz (Beverley Callard) once and for all. Show sources have already revealed that Jim plans to buy The Rovers from son Steve (Simon Gregson) - convinced that the pub is the key to Liz's heart. However, according to The Sun today, Jim struggles to raise the cash and subsequently resorts to desperate measures by going ahead with an armed raid. He is expected to march into the Weatherfield Building Society and tell one of the workers: "I've got a gun. (more)...
- 2/23/2011
- by By Daniel Kilkelly
- Digital Spy
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