Television presenter Davina McCall has spoken candidly about the profound impact a benign brain tumour had on her short-term memory, revealing it created a unique and challenging barrier to her return to exercise.
The Tumour Diagnosis and Memory Impact
In a recent episode of her Begin Again podcast, released on 1 January 2026, McCall detailed her health struggles to fitness expert Joe Wicks. The Big Brother legend was diagnosed with a colloid cyst, a type of benign brain tumour, in 2024 after a routine health check, subsequently undergoing major craniotomy surgery.
While follow-up MRI scans in April 2025 brought the welcome news that the tumour was "not coming back," McCall's health challenges continued. She separately underwent surgery for breast cancer in November 2025, after discovering a small, early-stage lump.
DOMS as the Only Proof of a Workout
During her conversation with Wicks, McCall explained how the brain tumour ordeal "really badly affected" her short-term memory. This cognitive effect was particularly evident when she tried to resume her fitness regime post-surgery.
"The only reason I knew if I'd worked out was if I had DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness)," McCall disclosed. She described waking up the morning after a workout with sore muscles, realising she must have exercised the previous day, but having no actual recollection of doing so.
When Joe Wicks suggested she must enjoy the feeling of DOMS, McCall enthusiastically agreed, saying "I love it!" Wicks admitted he only "sorta" likes the sensation, joking "not every day."
A Humbling Journey Back to Fitness
The combined effect of the brain tumour and her breast cancer treatment forced McCall to stop exercising for significant periods, totalling three to four months. She described the process of rebuilding her fitness as "humbling" and a "really good lesson" in understanding how difficult it is for anyone to "start again."
When asked how she managed her memory issues, McCall revealed a poignant insight: she "wasn't aware" of how hard things were at the time because she couldn't remember not doing them. To support her mental health during recovery, she turned to gentle walks in nature, which she said helped her "a lot" because she "didn't need to remember" it; the beauty was simply present.
Reflecting on her breast cancer diagnosis, shared via an Instagram video, McCall emphasised her luck in early detection. "It was very, very small, so I got it very, very early, which is incredibly lucky," she stated, expressing relief that it had been removed and had not spread.
The full conversation, which underscores the vital link between physical activity and personal wellbeing, is available on Davina McCall's Begin Again podcast.
