Television presenter Davina McCall has publicly revealed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent surgery to remove a tumor, sharing her experience in a heartfelt video posted to Instagram on November 8, 2025. The 58-year-old, well known for her long career in British broadcasting and her advocacy for women’s health, made the announcement in hopes that her story would encourage others to prioritize their health and seek timely medical care.
McCall’s revelation comes nearly a year after she had surgery to remove a rare, benign brain tumor—a colloid cyst—discovered during a health check-up she received in connection with her menopause advocacy work. In her Instagram video, McCall recounted the sequence of events that led to her breast cancer diagnosis, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and regular self-examination.
“I just wanted to tell you that I have had breast cancer. I found a lump a few weeks ago, and it came and went, but then I was working on The Masked Singer and Lorraine, the TV show Lorraine Kelly, had put signs on the back of all the doors saying, check your breasts. And every time I went for a wee I did that, and it was still there. And then one morning, I saw it in the mirror, and I thought, I’m going to get that looked at,” she explained, as reported by BBC News and Sky News.
After noticing the lump persisted, McCall decided to seek medical advice. She underwent a biopsy and soon learned that it was indeed breast cancer. “I had it taken out in a lumpectomy nearly three weeks ago, and the margins, they take out a little bit extra and they check the margins, and the margins are clear,” she said. “It was very, very small, so I got it very, very early, which is incredibly lucky, but I am so relieved to have had it removed, and to know that it hasn’t spread. My lymph nodes were clear. I didn’t have any removed, and all I’m going to do now is have five days of radiotherapy in January as kind of an insurance policy, and then I am on my journey to try it and stop it ever coming back.” (BBC News, Sky News, The Guardian).
Throughout her announcement, McCall expressed deep gratitude to the staff at the Royal Marsden Hospital in London, her family, her three children, and her partner, hairdresser Michael Douglas. “It’s been a lot. I was very angry when I found out, but I let go of that, and I feel in a much more positive place now,” she admitted. Her honesty about the emotional impact of the diagnosis resonated with thousands of followers and fellow celebrities, who flooded her post with messages of support and admiration.
Among the many well-wishers were broadcaster Amanda Holden, writer Elizabeth Day, All Saints singer Nicole Appleton, and actress Anna Friel, who commented, “Oh … I am so sorry you are going through so much. You are shining and still smiling in the face of adversity. It’s a lesson to us all.” Comedian Dawn French added, “Blimey Davina! What a warrior you are. Must’ve been stressful.”
McCall’s advocacy for women’s health is well documented. She has previously presented documentaries on contraception and menopause, and her 2022 book, Menopausing, won Book of the Year at the British Book Awards. She has also fronted the Channel 4 documentary Davina McCall: Sex, Mind And The Menopause, and has spoken openly about the challenges of perimenopause, sharing how symptoms once led her to worry about serious health issues. In 2023, McCall was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to broadcasting.
In her Instagram message, McCall was quick to use her platform to urge others to be proactive about their health. “I think my message is, get checked if you’re worried, check yourself regularly. If you are due a mammogram, then get it done. And I have dense breasts, and I had a mammogram in August, and I was postponing the ultrasound. I just couldn’t find time to do it. Don’t do that. Get the ultrasound, and thanks for watching. And I’m sending you all a massive hug.”
The NHS notes that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the UK, though anyone can be affected. Risk factors include being over 50, having dense breast tissue, a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or higher levels of hormones such as oestrogen, progesterone, or testosterone. Lifestyle factors, such as the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or the contraceptive pill, can also slightly increase risk, although for many, the benefits of these medications outweigh the risks. Early detection remains crucial, as it dramatically increases the chances of successful treatment—a point McCall’s story brings into sharp focus.
McCall’s personal journey has been marked by both public and private challenges. She lost her sister, Caroline Baday, to lung cancer in 2012, an experience that motivated her to raise money for Cancer Research UK by running the Race For Life in her sister’s memory. Married twice, McCall has three children with her second husband, presenter Matthew Robertson, and now lives with her fiancé Michael Douglas. Together, they co-host a weekly lifestyle podcast called Making The Cut.
Her career, which began on MTV in the mid-1990s, has spanned decades and included hosting roles on Channel 4’s Streetmate, Big Brother (from 2000 to 2010), and ITV’s dating show My Mum, Your Dad. She has also co-presented major charity events like BBC’s Comic Relief and Sport Relief, and Channel 4’s Stand Up To Cancer. Through her work, McCall has become a familiar face and a trusted voice on issues affecting women’s health.
McCall’s openness about her diagnosis and recovery process has once again demonstrated her commitment to breaking down taboos and encouraging honest conversations about health. As she continues her journey, she remains determined to use her experience to help others, reminding her followers that even the smallest symptoms should not be ignored. Her story stands as a powerful testament to the importance of early detection, regular check-ups, and the support of family and friends during life’s most challenging moments.
