Davina McCall has been sober for more than 30 years after her friend Sarah Hiscox locked her in a car in a bold move that changed the TV star's life forever.
Friend Recounts Pivotal Intervention
Writer Sarah Hiscox first met Davina at a house party when they were both in their 20s, immediately feeling a connection. At the time, Davina worked at a modelling agency and managed clubs at night, while Sarah battled bulimia. Sarah grew increasingly worried about Davina's substance abuse.
Sarah told The Times: 'I would watch her when we went out, dancing on tables, the centre of everything. It was difficult to watch, this beautiful, vital girl who was slowly consumed by something infinitely more powerful than herself.'
The Car Locking Incident
Things reached a critical point when Sarah locked Davina in her car in a final attempt to persuade her to change. Davina crumbled immediately, crying: 'I know, I know. I'm scared. Soz (as she called me). I'm afraid I can't stop and I don't know what to do. I keep making deals with myself, telling myself I'll only use on a Tuesday and Thursday and then weekends, but it's turned into every night and now I can't go for a day without them.'
Sarah wrapped her arms around Davina and reassured her that everything would be okay. Since Davina couldn't afford rehab or therapy, Sarah suggested she attend Narcotics Anonymous meetings. Davina agreed and attended a meeting the next day, remaining sober ever since.
Career Transformation
Getting clean profoundly affected Davina's professional life. She moved into television and landed her first role on MTV Europe. In 2000, she secured the presenting role on Big Brother, propelling her to stardom. Her subsequent credits include The Masked Singer, The Million Pound Drop, and Long Lost Family.
Davina has been candid about her struggles with substance abuse. Appearing on The Diary of a CEO, she admitted she remains vigilant to guard against falling back into addiction.
