‘Coronation Street’ writers have had to overhaul a number of scenes after Beverley Callard was signed off sick.
The 59-year-old actress – who plays Liz McDonald in the soap – has been given two months off to battle depression, so key plot points are being altered and certain incidents dropped altogether to cover her absence.
A source said: "We began filming [Liz’s lover] Tony Stewart’s funeral last week and are continuing this week. As Bev has been off for two weeks, she hasn’t been able to be a part of it, which is a shame as she was going to be heavily involved.
"Whole scenes have been reworked. These include one scene in which Jason Grimshaw, played by Ryan Thomas, was to have a fight with Liz. But that has been scrapped."
However, soap bosses are pleased with the changes and the insider insisted no one blames Beverley for what has happened.
The insider added to The Sun newspaper: "It’s far from an ideal situation but the scriptwriting team have risen to the occasion.
"There are obviously no hard feelings towards Bev, who is loved on set. Everyone just wants to see her back healthy as soon as possible."
The actress has experienced problems with her mental health after she ran out of one of the types of drugs she takes for the illness when they were discontinued without warning for financial reasons.
She wrote on Twitter: "Been battling the demons of depression! One of the meds I’m on, has been stopped by pharmaceutical company, apparently it doesn’t make money
"I’m getting there!!!! Thanks so much for all your good wishes xxxx (sic)"
In response to a fan recalling the "good old days" when medicine was about "making people better … not money", she replied: "Too true".
As a result of the issue, Beverley was reportedly sent home from work earlier this month and her medical team are said to be searching for an alternative to the medication.
A source said: "Bev has been taking different medications for the last two years then suddenly one was discontinued.
"It affected her mental health and affected her at work. It was a surprise to people that she was suddenly quite ill again.
"She’s hoping an alternative can be found and wants to return to work as soon as she is better."
The actress is also said to still be devastated at the loss of her best friend Anne Kirkbride, who played Deirdre Barlow in the soap and died just over a year ago aged 60.
Coronation Street rewrite key scenes
