Beverley Callard forced to pull out of I’m a Celebrity final for medical reasons

I’m A Celebrity star Beverley Callard revealed to fans she’s ‘absolutely gutted’ she won’t be joining the live final tonight.

The Dublin-based Coronation Street star, 69, appeared in the latest South Africa All Stars season, where she was forced to exit the pre-recorded portion of the show early due to medical reasons after experiencing a ‘funny turn’ while in the jungle.

It later transpired that the TV star had breast cancer, with her telling followers: ‘Of course, I didn’t know then that I had cancer, but I just knew that it was the last couple of days there that I hadn’t felt very well.’

Now, with the live final set to take place in London tonight with the whole cast returning, Beverley has confirmed she will not be in attendance due to health reasons.

‘Yesterday, I should have flown to England to get ready for the I’m A Celeb final.

‘I was so excited and looking forward to it, but on medical advice, I can’t go, I am gutted. I was dying to see them all, and it would have been brilliant.

‘I can’t go and yesterday, the flights were booked and everything, but no, they said, it is basically too long a day with flying there and then a very late night [with filming]. I will be watching.’

She will still be present on the episode in another way, however, confirming she plans to Zoom in to chat to her fellow co-stars.

‘So I’ve got to make the best of a bad job but I am resting and I am doing as I am told. Thanks to everybody.’

In her caption, she added: ‘A last minute change of plans…Absolutely gutted but I know it’s for the best. Resting up and getting well is more important at the moment’.

Friends and fans have flocked to the comments to share their support.

Co-star Ashley Roberts wrote: ‘Bless ya Bev. We will miss ya.’

‘Glad they can Zoom you in to be part of it. Rest is recovery, sending lots of love,’ Fiabbott shared.

‘You take care, everyone would want you to. You are amazing & your health is of utmost importance, you strong lady,’ jilly_3688 posted.

‘Gutted for you that you won’t be there but you rest and as soon as you can I’m sure you will be partying with them all. You will be missed tomorrow night but you’re health is more important. Wishing you well, lovely lady,’ Tracy Cook echoed.

Aside from Beverley, the rest of the cast should be in attendance, including the five finalists – Scarlett Moffatt, Mo Farah, Harry Redknapp, Adam Thomas and Craig Charles.

Getting everybody in the same studio was no easy feat, given that this has been one of the most dramatic seasons of I’m A Celebrity in years.

There have been clashes involving Sinitta and Gemma Collins, David Haye facing criticism from campmates and viewers alike and Adam Thomas and Jimmy Bullard finding themselves locked in a furious row.

Jimmy reportedly refused to attend the final initially, as the Daily Mail revealed he was seeking legal action, following his controversial exit from the series earlier this week.

It is understood that it is contractually obligated for the stars to appear at the final, or they won’t receive their full fee.

However, in a recent social media post, he appeared to hint he would be rocking up, promising fans his version of the row with Adam would be told this Friday.

Meanwhile, at the ITV showcase event on Thursday night, co-hosts Ant and Dec quipped: ‘We’ve got the live final tomorrow night, that is going to be interesting, we’re getting them all back together.

‘Apparently they are all coming…’

As for who will be dubbed the all-important legend of the jungle, it remains to be seen. Although after his ordeal on the show – clashing with both David and Jimmy – Emmerdale star Adam has risen as a clear fan-favourite.

I’m A Celebrity South Africa’s live final will air tonight at 7:30pm on ITV.

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