Davina McCall has been on a tumultuous health rollercoaster since late last year when routine medical examinations uncovered a benign brain tumor. This unexpected diagnosis forced the 57-year-old television presenter to confront her health vulnerabilities and make significant life changes. At the center of her ordeal has been the constant support of her partner, Michael Douglas. McCall, well-known for her role as a judge on The Masked Singer and her advocacy for menopause awareness, revealed she had undergone surgery to remove the tumor, termed 'Jeffrey,' after the discovery of the colloid cyst during her health check, which she had taken as part of her health promotion efforts.
Davina was forthcoming about the challenges she faced throughout this ordeal, noting, “My short-term memory is a bit remiss,” but she also assured fans, “I’m on the mend.” Her emotional health reflected the physical battle she overcame, as she spent some time recovering from surgery in intensive care, eventually returning home under the care of Douglas, who has been her stalwart supporter. The couple has been dating since 2019, and their bond has evidently strengthened through this challenging period.
During a particularly moving episode of her podcast, Begin Again, she discussed the immense psychological toll the diagnosis had taken on her. Tearfully, she conveyed feelings of anger and resentment, stating, “I couldn’t let it go. (I thought) ‘How dare you control my daily life like this and make me feel every day like I’m in danger?’” Davina’s reflections demonstrate the burdens associated with living with the potential risks of her condition, which many might not realize can be life-altering even if tumors are benign. It opened her eyes to the struggles faced by others who deal with similar health issues, as she said, “I have newfound enormous sympathy for people who have benign brain tumours. Because you think… I have had so many people say to me, ‘Well, at least it was benign.’ And you think, ‘You have no idea.’”
The emotional rollercoaster also extended to her responsibilities as a mother. McCall candidly shared concerns about leaving her three children — Holly, 23, Tilly, 21, and Chester, 18 — should her situation take a turn for the worse. “I did go and address my will and make sure it was airtight,” she revealed. “I talked to Michael about my wishes. I wrote letters of wishes to all the children and put those in my will.” These statements illuminate the gravity of her experiences and the lengths she went to secure her family’s future amid uncertainty.
Despite the harrowing nature of her experience, Davina expressed hope and optimism for the future. She indicated a desire for personal growth, mentioning she hopes to regard this traumatic experience as “one of the greatest blessings of my life” within two years. People close to her have echoed this sentiment, claiming the health crisis has deepened the trust and love shared between McCall and Douglas.
Sources have noted, “What Davina has been through with her health has brought her and Michael even closer. He has been a total rock to her, and she’s been able to completely rely on him.” This sentiment resonates strongly as both McCall and Douglas have commented on how their relationship has evolved through this ordeal. Michael stood as a true partner during Davina's darkest times, proving his commendable character as someone who can support through the highs and lows of life. “He’s shown how amazing he is, how much he adores her, and he can really show up for her in both good times and bad,” the source added.
The couple celebrates their five-year relationship, which blossomed from years of friendship after meeting on the set of Big Brother. Michael shared recently, “We’ve both woken up this year with a real sense of optimism and excitement for 2025.” Their future together seems bright, with plans to embrace the unknown and step out of their comfort zones. This renewed excitement fuels their relationship, and they look forward to whatever challenges life might present.
With her health scare behind her, Davina McCall stands as a symbol of resilience, demonstrating how adversity can lead to stronger, more meaningful connections with loved ones. Her story serves as both a warning and inspiration, advocating the importance of awareness and support during challenging times.