Soap legend Beverley Callard is making a dramatic return to television, swapping the famous cobbles of Coronation Street for an Irish neighbourhood.
A New Chapter in Carrigstown
The beloved actress, who is 68, has officially joined the cast of RTÉ's long-running Irish soap, Fair City. She will play the character of Lily, the long-lost mother of existing character Gwen, portrayed by Emily Lamey. Described as 'quirky, unpredictable and sharp as a tack', Lily is set to bring fresh drama to the fictional Dublin suburb of Carrigstown.
Fair City's Executive Producer, Brigie de Courcy, expressed her delight at the casting during an interview on RTÉ Radio One's Morning Ireland. She confirmed that Beverley began filming this week, with her debut scenes scheduled to hit screens on February 19.
Leaving Liz McDonald Behind
Beverley Callard is best known for her iconic portrayal of Liz McDonald in Coronation Street, a role she first took on in 1989 and played on and off for over three decades. She departed the ITV soap in 2020, and later reflected on her decision, stating it felt like her 'world to open up'.
'I loved playing her,' she said of Liz. 'But I knew Liz inside out and back to front, and I just wanted the challenge of playing something completely different. I will not go back. I feel as though my world has opened up. I’ve not fallen out of love with it but my time there is done.'
From Walford Dreams to Dublin Reality
Interestingly, this move to Fair City comes after Beverley had previously expressed interest in joining another major UK soap. Back in 2024, she engaged with fans on social media about the possibility of appearing in BBC's EastEnders.
When a fan suggested she could play a long-lost Mitchell or Slater, Beverley seemed enthusiastic about the idea. Another proposed she take on the role of Kathy Beale's rarely mentioned sister, Stephanie, which Beverley agreed would be 'fab'. However, with her casting in the Irish serial now confirmed, any potential move to Albert Square is firmly on hold.
Fair City, which has been on air since 1989, airs on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
