Davina McCall, the beloved television presenter best known for her role as the host of Big Brother, has recently shared insightful updates about her health after undergoing surgery for the removal of a colloid cyst – a rare type of brain tumor. Following the diagnosis, the 57-year-old entertainer has been recuperated at home, focusing on her recovery with the steadfast support of her partner, Michael Douglas, and her stepmother, Gabby.
During the operation earlier this month, doctors removed the cyst, which measured 14 mm. Its presence was discovered during a routine health check linked to McCall’s work for a menopause awareness program. "I thought I was going to ace my health check, but it turned out I had this benign brain tumor called a colloid cyst," she explained. This unexpected diagnosis caught her off guard and led to her making the decision to proceed with surgery after consulting various neurosurgeons.
To keep her fans informed of her progress, McCall has been active on social media. For her first post-surgery update, she appeared emotional yet grateful, acknowledging the outpouring of support from fans and friends: "It's meant the world. It's been mad, and it’s really nice to be back home." She later highlighted her short-term memory loss following the operation, describing it as "remiss," though she is working hard to improve her cognitive function.
On November 27, she reassured her followers with another Instagram update, stating, "I am feeling much stronger every day, and my short-term memory is really improving." She has emphasized the importance of sleep for her recovery, noting, "If I feel confused or struggle to concentrate, I just go to sleep and wake up renewed and refreshed." Her determination to focus on healing is evident, as she continues to draw strength from her family and friends during this challenging time.
Notably, during her recovery, Davina’s partner, hairdresser Michael Douglas, has been providing constant updates and care. Michael noted, "She's quite tired at the moment. She sleeps really well at night and takes long naps during the day." He also mentioned, "Her body is naturally forcing her to rest," indicating how pivotal rest is to McCall’s healing process. Douglas expressed how emotional this experience has been for both of them, yet he confidently affirmed, "We’re definitely out of the woods."
McCall has been candid about the emotional rollercoaster she has experienced since the diagnosis. She shared with fans the relief she feels when simply waking up after long hours of sleep. "I feel unbelievably grateful right now. It’s been such an incredible experience," she remarked. Many of her celebrity friends have also rallied around her, sending well wishes and messages of support, including comments from BBC Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac and Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden. Their encouragement has been a source of comfort and motivation for her.
Going forward, Davina McCall is optimistic about returning to work. According to Michael, she plans to resume her professional duties by mid-January, showing her commitment to balancing recovery with her career ambitions. On her social media, Davina expressed her appreciation for those who have offered their encouragement throughout her health struggles. "Every day I feel stronger and stronger. Thank you all for your support, it meant the world to me and my family," she shared, indicating her undying spirit and resilience.
McCall’s experience has highlighted the importance of regular health check-ups, especially as non-cancerous brain tumors tend to occur more frequently as individuals age. Colloid cysts, like the one Davina had, account for fewer than 2% of all primary brain tumors, pointing to the rarity of her diagnosis.
With the support of her loved ones and the encouragement of her fan base, Davina McCall’s story resonates as one of hope. Her resilience and willingness to share her experience publicly serve to inspire others who may face similar health battles. McCall aims to not only focus on her recovery but also continue her creative pursuits, demonstrating all the more her perseverance to flourish both personally and professionally.
