Davina McCall has opened up about how her brain tumour ordeal 'really badly affected' her short-term memory, leaving her unable to recall whether she had exercised. The television presenter spoke to fitness expert Joe Wicks on her Begin Again podcast, explaining that the only way she knew she had worked out was through delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
McCall, who underwent craniotomy surgery after being diagnosed with a benign brain tumour in 2024, said that she would wake up the next morning in pain and realise she must have exercised, but had no recollection of doing so. She described the experience as 'humbling' and noted that she had to stop exercising for three to four months following the tumour, and again after a subsequent breast cancer diagnosis.
In April 2025, McCall confirmed that MRI scans showed the tumour was not returning. However, she revealed in November 2024 that she had undergone a lumpectomy for breast cancer, which was detected early. She told her Instagram followers that the cancer was 'very, very small' and had not spread.
During her conversation with Joe Wicks, McCall emphasised the importance of exercise for happiness and mental well-being. She also credited nature and walks with aiding her recovery, saying that nature was simply 'there and beautiful' and helped her mental health despite her memory difficulties.
