Television presenter Davina McCall has officially announced her engagement to celebrity hairdresser Michael Douglas, marking a joyful milestone following a period of significant personal challenge and recovery. The news, confirmed publicly at the National Television Awards on September 14, 2025, was met with waves of support and excitement across British media and among fans who have followed McCall’s journey both on and off the screen.
The engagement comes after seven years of dating, a relationship that blossomed long after McCall and Douglas first crossed paths in the early 2000s. According to The Sun, the pair met on the set of the reality show Big Brother, where Douglas styled McCall’s hair. However, it wasn’t until 2018—following McCall’s split from her second husband, Matthew Robertson—that their friendship deepened into romance. As reported by the BBC, McCall has been married twice before and is a mother of three, making this new chapter all the more poignant.
The couple’s public appearance at the National Television Awards, where they radiated positivity, was not just a celebration of their engagement but also a testament to the resilience and support that has defined their partnership. McCall, now 57, is one of the most recognized faces on British television, currently hosting the BBC’s new dating reality show Stranded on Honeymoon Island. Yet, her personal life has recently taken center stage, particularly as she navigated a serious health crisis.
In November 2024, McCall underwent brain surgery to remove a colloid cyst that was discovered during a health check-up related to her menopause advocacy work. The operation, which involved a craniotomy—a procedure where part of the skull is removed to access the brain—was, in her own words, "the hardest thing" she had ever been through. In an emotional interview earlier this year, McCall did not shy away from sharing the vulnerability and fear that accompanied her diagnosis and treatment. "It was the hardest thing I had been through," she said, a sentiment echoed in several outlets including the PA News Agency and The Sun.
Following the surgery, McCall spent time in intensive care before beginning her recovery at home, where Douglas played a crucial role in her convalescence. According to the BBC, Douglas described her recovery as "a huge journey," underscoring the depth of their bond and the mutual support that carried them through the ordeal. The couple’s gratitude extended beyond their own circle; in a heartfelt joint Instagram post in April 2025, they expressed thanks for the medical teams, friends, and family who had supported them every step of the way. McCall shared the uplifting news that recent MRI scans showed the surgery had "got everything out," and that her benign brain tumour was "not coming back."
The timing of the engagement announcement—just months after this health scare—has imbued the news with an added sense of triumph and renewal. McCall’s representative confirmed the engagement to both the BBC and the PA News Agency, with The Sun first breaking the story. The couple’s appearance together at the 2025 National Television Awards was especially meaningful. McCall, who presented the prize for authored documentary at the event, reflected on her own journey in the winners’ room, telling attendees, "the prize meant so much because I wasn’t sure where I was going to be six weeks later." She added, "It was mega, it was the best ever, and Hannah [Waddingham] giving it to me, I love Hannah, Hannah’s such a friend of mine and everything and I ugly cried."
McCall’s emotional reaction at the awards was understandable. She had received the special recognition award in September 2024, just two months before revealing she would need brain surgery. The significance of that moment, and the uncertainty surrounding her health, made the subsequent celebrations all the more moving. As noted by the Evening Standard, the couple’s journey has been anything but ordinary—a testament to resilience, support, and shared victories.
Beyond their personal relationship, McCall and Douglas have built a professional partnership as well. The pair co-host the popular podcast Making The Cut, where they share recommendations and insights from their respective industries. McCall is also frequently seen having her hair styled by Douglas in Instagram posts, a playful nod to the origins of their relationship and a testament to their enduring connection both on and off camera.
Their story has resonated with many, not just because of McCall’s celebrity status, but due to the universal themes of overcoming adversity, finding love later in life, and the importance of support networks during times of crisis. The BBC and The Sun both emphasized Douglas’s unwavering support during McCall’s recovery, highlighting how essential such partnerships can be in the face of life’s toughest challenges.
McCall’s health journey has also shone a light on broader issues. Her colloid cyst was discovered during a health check-up offered as part of her advocacy for menopause awareness, a cause she has championed publicly. According to the NHS, non-cancerous brain tumours like the one McCall faced are more common in people over 50, with symptoms including headaches, blackouts, behavioral changes, and loss of consciousness. By sharing her experience so openly, McCall has helped demystify a condition that affects many, encouraging others to prioritize their health and seek regular check-ups.
As McCall and Douglas look ahead to their future together, their story serves as a reminder that love, resilience, and community can carry us through even the darkest times. Their engagement, coming on the heels of such a significant health battle, is not just a personal victory but an inspiration to many who have followed their journey.
With McCall continuing to thrive in her career—hosting new shows, winning awards, and advocating for important health causes—her engagement to Douglas marks a new chapter filled with hope, gratitude, and the promise of shared happiness. For fans and well-wishers alike, it’s a story worth celebrating.
