Davina McCall has marked the second anniversary of the brain operation that saved her life, sharing a poignant reminder of the ordeal alongside a heartfelt message to her family and medical team.
The presenter, 59, posted a photograph taken in her hospital bed in November 2024, showing her head wrapped in bandages, as well as an image of her brain scan.
A Difficult Journey Remembered
Reflecting on the period, the former Big Brother host spoke about the impact the experience had on her husband Michael and their children. She wrote: “Two years ago today, Michael and I started the toughest 18 months of our lives. I’d like to celebrate feeling amazing today.
“I would also like to say sorry, for all the worry I put Michael and our kids thru, It was a lot. For everyone. And there I was just there being a worried little Dory in the middle of it. But here we are! On top form. Living life to the Max!”
Thanking the Medical Team
Davina underwent emergency surgery after doctors discovered a “very rare” colloid cyst during a health check. She also used her anniversary post to thank the people who helped identify the tumour and carry out the operation.
She said: “We owe you everything KEVIN @brain.surgeon.uk you are the best!! @capricebourret was right!!
“And thank you, Caprice thank you, Rupi and @welbeckhealth for finding it and to everyone at @clevelandcliniclondon who took such great care of me.”
The presenter also praised her body and brain for their recovery, before paying tribute to Michael for supporting her throughout. She added: “I’d like to thank my body and my brain, we’ve been through a lot and you’ve really worked hard to recover.
“Well done us but mostly thank you Michael I really couldn’t have got through this without you. You are a superhero. My superhero.
“And a note to everyone going through something massive. I’m sending you a big hug x”
Ongoing Health Concerns
Davina's health concerns have continued in the years since her brain surgery. Last year, she had a 4mm lump removed after becoming worried she could have breast cancer. She was given the all clear.
More recently, she revealed she had been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease while discussing women's health with the British Heart Foundation for World Menopause Day. Speaking on her podcast, Begin Again, she said: “I wanted to let you know, I also have cardiovascular disease, and this is a very important conversation to have.
“Anyone can get sick and when I had my cancer experience, you just suddenly feel vulnerable in a way you weren’t before… Once you’ve been ill, you think ‘Oh, I thought I was invincible.’”
Davina did not go into detail about how the condition, which covers a group of illnesses affecting the heart and blood vessels, has affected her. Instead, she urged people not to ignore potential warning signs. She said: “Heart attacks and cardiovascular disease are rife out there, particularly in women post-menopause.
“If there’s one takeaway today it’s not to brush things off – get your blood pressure and cholesterol checked, and if something feels wrong, listen to your body.”
