In a significant crossover between British and Irish television, acclaimed actress Beverley Callard is set to join the cast of RTÉ’s long-running soap opera Fair City. The announcement confirms her debut scheduled for February 19, 2026, where she will portray a new character named Lily, described by network executives as “quirky, unpredictable and sharp as a tack.”
Callard brings considerable soap opera pedigree to the Irish production, having established herself as a household name through her iconic portrayal of Liz McDonald on ITV’s Coronation Street. Her association with the Manchester-based series spanned over three decades, beginning in 1989 when she joined alongside on-screen husband Jim (played by Charlie Lawson) and their fictional sons Steve and Andy. Her departure from Coronation Street in 2020 marked the end of an era for the character who had become a staple of British television.
Beyond her Coronation Street legacy, Callard’s career includes notable appearances in other British television institutions. She has featured in Emmerdale and the comedy series Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps. In 2020, she participated in ITV’s reality series I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!, finishing in 10th place during the pandemic-affected season filmed in Wales instead of the show’s traditional Australian location.
The actress has been equally vocal about her personal challenges, particularly regarding mental health. In a 2016 interview with BBC as part of their In The Mind mental health season, Callard discussed her experiences with depression, which she described as the “curse of the strong.” She revealed undergoing electroconvulsive therapy to address her symptoms and recounted collapsing on the Coronation Street set in 2009 after enduring 18 months of declining health.
Fair City, the show welcoming Callard to its ensemble, represents Ireland’s premier soap opera. Since its 1989 premiere on RTÉ, the series has chronicled the daily lives and dramas of residents in the fictional north Dublin suburb of Carrigstown. Network promotional materials suggest Callard’s character will “carry just enough edge to keep Carrigstown on its toes,” promising viewers “won’t want to miss what she brings to the community.”