Beverley Callard keeps hand in as she won't rule out a return to Corrie
It is a character she made her own for 22 years. But despite leaving Coronation Street seemingly for good last year, actress Beverley Callard said she could never rule out returning to the soap as much-loved landlady Liz McDonald.
Beverley is currently starring in The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice at the Grand Theatre in Wolverhampton but she fitted back into her old role when she popped behind the bar at the Posada in the city's Lichfield Street.
And even though she says theatre is her main love, the 55-year-old said she adored playing Liz in the soap from 1989 to 2011.
"I loved playing Liz but I had wanted to do other things so I handed my notice in last March," she said.
"The producers said they wanted me to stay. They didn't want me to leave. Theatre has always been my main love. Don't get me wrong, I love being on TV.
"I wouldn't go back to Corrie at the moment but you never know what is round the corner."
Beverley described her time on the cobbles as "wonderful" but said she watched more of rival BBC soap EastEnders these days.
"I never get to watch Corrie nowadays," she said. "I never have time as I'm always working. I must admit though I do love EastEnders."
The Leeds-born actress made her TV debut in Emmerdale in 1983. She first appeared in Corrie in 1989 and during her time on the show had to endure being a battered wife, a kidnap victim, harassed mother and unfaithful wife.She was the long-suffering mother of Steve McDonald and wife of alcoholic Jim McDonald.
She has also released books and exercise videos and played Flo Henshaw in the BBC Three sitcom Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps.
The Rise And Fall Of Little Voice runs for 12 weeks, and Beverley, who plays Mari in the show, said she had been asked to carry on her role in the show for another 20 weeks in 2013. She added: "I love being in theatre. It's great to have the audience right there in front of you. You feel their reaction to your character. Nothing can beat that."
Since being in Wolverhampton, Beverley has enjoyed lunch at the Bell Inn at Trysull, pulled pints behind the bar at the Posada, and said she was keen to explore more of the area during her stay in the region.
Posada landlord Chris Millard, 28, said: "Beverley is the biggest celebrity we've ever had in here.
"She did a great job. I'd give her a barmaid role any time if she was interested." Customer Malcolm Graham, 51, from Sedgley, said he instantly recognised Callard as soon as she walked in.
He said: "I used to watch Corrie so I knew who she was straight away.
"It was a nice surprise to see her behind the bar and pouring me a drink."
