Callard reveals depression battle

11/03/2010 - 11:30:25
Beverley Callard had a nervous breakdown last year.

The actress - who plays tarty landlady Liz McDonald in 'Coronation Street' - was absent from the show for five months in 2009 because she was secretly seeking treatment at the Priory Clinic in Cheshire for "serious" depression.

The 52-year-old star battled the crippling illness last year when her TV alter-ego went on a lengthy holiday to Spain to visit her son, but is now well on the way to recovery.

She said: "I've had some terribly dark times recently. Being able to recover out of the spotlight has hugely helped me and meant that I could return to work last year whilst still receiving treatment as an outpatient."

The TV star - who claims her breakdown was triggered by the stress caused when her pub in Hale Barns, Cheshire went bust recently - is still being treated as an outpatient and has teamed up with
British mental health charity Mind to raise awareness of mental health issues.

A 'Coronation Street' spokesman insisted cast and crew have been very supportive of Beverley.

He added: "Everyone at ITV has been behind Beverley through this very difficult time."