CORRIE actress Beverley Callard has thanked the NHS after two weeks off with depression.
The Liz McDonald star, 62, bravely revealed she had returned to work last week after “battling horrific demons”.
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She tweeted: “First day back at work, been battling horrific demons and black dog for two weeks.
“I am fortunate enough to have a great NHS doctor. Early intervention is necessary.
“Should be available for everyone, this is vital. I can’t talk about this when I’m in the black hole.”
BEV’S HERE TO STAY
Bev, who has previously taken breaks from the soap due to her troubles, has been told by Corrie bosses that they’re right behind her.
Cast and crew gave her a warm reception when she returned to filming on the Cobbles on Friday.
An insider on the soap said Bev was a key part of the ITV hit show’s future.
The source said: “Bev is loved by the show and it’s viewers so everyone is delighted to see her back.
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“She’s been through a rough time but has come out the other side now.
“For Corrie stars like Bev are absolutely vital. She’s very popular with viewers and the show can’t afford to lose any more of its big names. So she has everyone’s full support.”
MENTAL HEALTH BATTLE
Bev revealed on Loose Women three years ago that she had battled depression since her 30s.
At the time she said: “One person in our industry said, ‘Well you’ll probably never work again as you’ve had clinical depression as you might be flaky and unreliable.
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“Of course you’re not, I think depression is a curse of the strong in a way and sometimes your mind works against you.”
In an interview earlier this year, Bev – who has spent time in psychiatric hospital – said she tried to “hide” her depression from the world after a breakdown in 2009.
NO LONGER HIDING IT
The actress, a regular in Weatherfield for more than 30 years, said she was “terrified what people would think” if she shared her issues.
But Beverley, married to her fourth husband, recording studio owner Jon McEwan, has come on leaps and bounds since and now campaigns with mental health charity Mind.
She said: “I’m now the most confident I’ve been in years. For the first time in a long time, I don’t care what people think.
“I’m living my life for me.”
