Television and radio presenter Davina McCall has provided a candid update on her significant health challenges, having faced both a benign brain tumour and breast cancer in recent years. The 58-year-old star shared her experiences during a heartfelt discussion with co-host Jamie Theakston on Heart Radio Breakfast, where both reflected on their personal medical journeys and current wellbeing.
Brain Tumour Diagnosis and Post-Surgery Struggles
In late 2024, McCall revealed that a rare benign colloid cyst was discovered during a routine health check, part of her ongoing advocacy work around menopause. Following necessary brain surgery, she endured severe memory issues that mimicked symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, a situation that deeply concerned her colleague Jamie Theakston.
"My memory was absolutely mad," McCall recalled. "I thought I had advanced Alzheimer's. I didn't know I had an operation, and I believed I was in America because I was at a facility called the Cleveland Clinic."
Co-Host's Worry and Hospital Measures
Theakston admitted to being confused and alarmed by messages he received from McCall during her recovery period. "I was thinking, what the heck, what are you on about?" he said. McCall responded with an apology, explaining the disorienting effects of her post-operative state.
Reflecting on that difficult time, McCall disclosed that she had even messaged her agent shortly after surgery to request time off work. In response, her husband, Michael Douglas, asked hospital staff to confiscate her phone to prevent further confusing communications.
Jamie Theakston's Own Health Battle
During the same broadcast, Theakston shared his own health scare, revealing he was diagnosed with stage one laryngeal cancer. He has since undergone surgery but admitted to ongoing anxiety about the potential return of the disease.
Breast Cancer Diagnosis During Recovery
While hoping 2025 would be a year focused on recovery from her brain tumour, McCall faced another devastating blow when she was diagnosed with breast cancer just two months after a clear mammogram.
"I spent 2025 trying to get over the symptoms of the brain tumour," she shared. "For Michael and I, it was really hard on us, and it was just quite a difficult year. In October, interestingly two years almost to the month when I found out I had a brain tumour, I got breast cancer."
Emotional Impact and Important Reminder
McCall described the diagnosis as feeling "like being punched in the face by the universe." She added, "I just thought, what? I was just beginning to feel myself again. But I was very lucky because, and this is a real reminder to any women out there, really check yourselves."
She emphasized the importance of regular self-examinations, noting, "I found a lump myself, and I had had a mammogram in August. It was in October I found a lump, so don't just think, 'I had a mammogram recently, it can't be that'—it could be. If you've got something, go and get it looked at. It takes seconds."
Positive Update on Current Health
When asked about her current condition, McCall revealed encouraging news: a recent scan confirmed there is "nothing there," indicating successful treatment outcomes for both health issues.
The conversation between McCall and Theakston highlighted not only their individual resilience but also the importance of open dialogue about health challenges, regular medical checks, and the supportive role of loved ones during recovery periods.
