A prominent British actress has opened up about her experiences with depression and bipolar disorder on a UK chat show.

Beverely Callard, star of long-running ITV soap Coronation Street, appeared on Loose Women to talk about her recent diagnosis with type two bipolar disorder.

The news comes not long after the actress took time out from Coronation Street due to her longstanding troubles with mental illness.

Last year, the actress, who is best known for her portrayal of barmaid Liz McDonald in the ITV soap, thanked her co-stars and fans for their ongoing support.

Ms Callard, who was first diagnosed with clinical depression in 2009, has spoken up about her struggles on daytime television in recent weeks, to stress the importance of seeking help when facing mental illness.

She said: “My doctor seems to think I’m bipolar two. [At first] I didn’t really know what that was.

“With ordinary bipolar you get massive highs and massive lows.

“I don’t get the massive highs. I get the bad bits really,” she said.

“I think if you’ve had something like clinical depression, it takes time out of your life and you don’t get that time back so you realise that it is very precious.

“The most important thing is anyone can get well with the right help. That’s the most important thing,” she said.