The iconic actress, best known for her unforgettable portrayal of Liz McDonald, is officially joining the cast of RTÉ’s long-running Irish soap Fair City —

and her arrival is already being billed as one of the show’s most exciting developments in years. Beverley Callard will make her Fair City debut on 19 February 2026,

stepping into the role of Lily, the long-lost mother of Gwen Connolly, played by Emily Lamey. According to RTÉ, Lily is no ordinary soap arrival. She is described

as “quirky, unpredictable and sharp as a tack,” with just enough edge to keep the entire community of Carrigstown on constant alert.

Beverley Callard is officially joining Fair City

For viewers familiar with Callard’s formidable screen presence, those words alone are enough to set expectations sky-high.

Callard’s casting represents a rare crossover moment between two soap institutions. Few actors in British television history boast a résumé as rich as hers. Over more than three decades on Coronation Street, Callard appeared in over 2,000 episodes, becoming one of the most recognisable and beloved figures ever to walk the cobbles. As Liz McDonald, she embodied resilience, humour, heartbreak and unapologetic honesty — a character who weathered addiction, tragedy, romance, and reinvention while remaining fiercely herself.

When she departed Coronation Street in 2019, it marked the end of an era. Liz’s exit left a noticeable gap not just in the Rovers Return, where she famously ruled behind the bar, but in the emotional fabric of the show itself. Fans mourned the loss of her sharp wit and maternal ferocity, even as Callard herself spoke openly about the physical and emotional toll of stepping away after such a long tenure.

Since then, speculation about her next move has followed her relentlessly.

Rumours swirled toward the end of last year that Callard was in talks with Fair City, but confirmation remained elusive — until now. RTÉ has officially announced her arrival, and the excitement is palpable.

In Fair City, Callard’s Lily enters not as a nostalgic cameo, but as a fully realised character with deep emotional roots and explosive potential. As Gwen Connolly’s long-lost mother, Lily’s arrival is poised to reopen old wounds, challenge long-held beliefs, and rewrite family histories. The mystery surrounding her absence from Gwen’s life — and the reasons behind her sudden return — is expected to drive some of the show’s most emotionally charged storytelling in the months ahead.

Beverley Callard is officially coming to Carrigstown

RTÉ has been careful not to reveal too much, but insiders suggest Lily’s presence will send ripples far beyond Gwen herself. Carrigstown is a community built on secrets, loyalties, and fragile alliances, and Lily’s unpredictable nature makes her a wildcard in an already volatile environment. Her sharp intelligence and refusal to play by anyone else’s rules mean she is unlikely to blend quietly into the background.

Instead, viewers can expect confrontation, uncomfortable truths, and alliances that shift without warning.

An RTÉ spokesperson confirmed the significance of the casting in a statement that left little doubt about the network’s confidence in Callard’s impact.

“It’s official! Beverley Callard has landed in Carrigstown,” the spokesperson said. “The beloved actor, known for her unforgettable roles and iconic screen presence, is joining the cast of Fair City. Beverley steps into the role of Gwen’s long-lost mother Lily — quirky, unpredictable and sharp as a tack. She carries just enough edge to keep Carrigstown on its toes.”

The spokesperson added: “Beverley will make her Fair City debut on 19 February 2026, and trust us, you won’t want to miss what she brings to the community.”

For Fair City, the casting is a clear statement of intent. Bringing in a performer of Callard’s calibre signals a bold move to inject fresh energy into the show while honouring its tradition of complex, character-driven drama. Her arrival is expected to attract not only long-time Fair City viewers, but also Coronation Street fans eager to see a familiar face in a new, challenging role.

Callard’s career outside Corrie further underscores why expectations are so high. She earned widespread acclaim as Flo Henshaw in Two Pints of Lager and a Packet of Crisps, proving her versatility and impeccable comedic timing. In recent years, she has also been candid about her health struggles, including her battle with long COVID, which temporarily sidelined her from acting and made her return to a demanding soap role all the more remarkable.

At 68, Callard shows no signs of slowing down. Instead, this move feels like a reinvention — a chance to explore a new landscape, a new audience, and a character unburdened by decades of history, yet rich with emotional potential.

For Gwen Connolly, Lily’s arrival threatens to upend everything she thought she knew about her past. For Carrigstown, it introduces a woman who doesn’t ask for permission, doesn’t soften her edges, and doesn’t shy away from conflict. And for viewers, it promises a collision of legacy talent and fresh storytelling that soaps do best.