Beloved British TV host Davina McCall, 57, has shared a personal health update, revealing she is recovering from surgery to remove a rare brain tumor.
The announcement came in a heartfelt Instagram video posted on Friday, Nov. 15, in which McCall detailed her diagnosis and the path ahead.
“A few months ago, I did a menopause talk for a company, and they offered me a health scan in return, which I thought I was going to ace,” McCall began. Instead, the scan revealed a benign but rare colloid cyst, a fluid-filled sac in the brain’s third ventricle. According to Columbia University, these tumors account for only 2 percent of primary brain tumors and occur in about “three in a million” people, typically in their 40s or 50s.
The cyst, measuring 14mm, posed significant risks if left untreated. “It’s big for the space, it fills the space… it needs to come out because if it grows, it would be bad,” McCall explained. Her doctors recommended a craniotomy to remove and drain the cyst.
Despite the gravity of the situation, McCall appeared optimistic. “Say a prayer for me. I am in good spirits,” she said. Her partner, celebrity hairstylist Michael Douglas, joined the video to share his support and humor. “She’s in very good hands,” Douglas assured fans, jokingly adding that he had offered to perform the surgery himself “to make sure it was done properly.”
McCall also shared her emotions about the recovery process, which will involve a nine-day hospital stay followed by rest at home. “I’ll be off my phone for a while, so Michael might fill you in,” she teased, prompting Douglas to quip that he might dress up as her for the updates.
While admitting to moments of anxiety, McCall emphasized her faith in her medical team. “I have all the faith in the world in my surgeon and his team,” she said. “I’m doing my best not to worry too much, and I am in a good space.”
The TV veteran, known for her decades-long career hosting shows like Big Brother UK, encouraged others to take their health seriously. Her diagnosis was unexpected, discovered only after she sought out a scan she didn’t anticipate needing.
McCall’s openness resonated with fans, who flooded her post with messages of support. As she concluded her video, McCall assured viewers, “I’ll see you on the other side.”
Her bravery in sharing her journey shines a light on the importance of early detection and seeking second opinions when faced with health challenges. For McCall, this unexpected turn has become a testament to resilience and the power of facing fears head-on.