Davina McCall, the beloved television presenter and health advocate, is currently on the mend following surgery to remove a rare brain tumor. The 57-year-old host, known for her work on shows like Big Brother and Long Lost Family, shared her health scare with fans earlier this week, sparking widespread support from the public and her fellow celebrities.
On Friday, Davina disclosed the shocking news of her diagnosis through her social media channels. She explained how during what was supposed to be a routine health scan—offered as part of her work on women’s health issues—a colloid cyst was discovered on her brain. This benign tumor, measuring 14mm, is quite rare, affecting only about three people per million.
“I slightly put my head in the sand for a bit,” Davina admitted, recalling her initial reaction to the diagnosis. After considering multiple opinions from different neurosurgeons, she decided it was time to remove the cyst. “It needs to come out, because if it grows, it would be bad,” she said. Her determination to tackle this health challenge head-on displayed both her courage and resilience.
Following the announcement, her long-time partner, celebrity hairdresser Michael Douglas, took to Davina's Instagram to provide fans with updates about her condition. He revealed, "Davina is out of surgery, and according to the surgeon, it was textbook!" His message brought relief to many, illustrating the strong support network surrounding the presenter.
Michael elaborated on her recovery, stating she was being monitored closely due to her exhaustion following the procedure. “She’s currently recovering in ICU as a precaution,” he wrote, expressing gratitude for the outpouring of love from fans. The warmth of the public’s support has undoubtedly been uplifting during this challenging time.
Friends from the entertainment industry quickly rallied around Davina. Messages poured in from fellow celebs, with Amanda Holden stating her relief at the news of the surgery’s success and Holly Willoughby expressing her thoughts and well wishes. Alan Carr and other notable figures also shared their best wishes, showcasing the solidarity among their tight-knit community.
Before the surgery, Davina had shared her concerns about undergoing such a procedure, joking with Michael about his skills as a haircutting expert being of little application during brain surgery. Yet, she handled the situation with humor, insisting to her audience not to worry as she was confident her medical team would take care of everything.
Reflecting on the procedure itself, Davina articulated the need for clarity during her health talks. She wanted to be transparent with her followers about her experience with health issues, hoping to inspire others to prioritize their wellbeing. She discussed her fears of what the tumor could signify about her overall health, leading her to question if she might also be suffering from Alzheimer’s disease, which affects her father. “I’m going to be off my phone for a bit, but I don’t want you to worry about me. I’m doing enough of it as it is,” she reassured followers.
Davina's previous work has shed light on various health issues, particularly women's health. She has been at the forefront of discussions surrounding menopause, hoping to eradicate stigmas and promote honest dialogues about women's health challenges. After receiving the MBE for her services to broadcasting, Davina also released Menopausing: The Positive Roadmap To Your Second Spring, aimed at improving awareness and support around menopause.
Michael emphasized on social media how Davina will be "off grid" for some time as she recuperates, making it clear she has the best support. "I’ll do the odd update from her account here for anyone interested," he said. This promise kept her fans informed and connected through her recovery process.
According to the NHS, non-cancerous brain tumors such as colloid cysts are not uncommon, especially among individuals over 50. Symptoms can vary widely, including headaches, blackouts, and potential changes to behavior. Davina's continuing recovery will likely involve monitoring for any complications, but her positive attitude is likely to play a significant role.
For now, Davina is scheduled to spend about nine days in the hospital. After her discharge, she plans to take some time to rest and recuperate at home with Michael beside her, providing support and encouragement.
Though this chapter has added unexpected complexity to her already busy life, Davina remains optimistic about her recovery, assuring fans she has full confidence in her medical team. It’s clear from the love she’s received and her own determination, she’ll be back on her feet soon, inspiring others as she has always done.
