Davina McCall was visibly moved while discussing her struggle with addiction during a live broadcast on ITV's Lorraine on Thursday, July 2. The 58-year-old TV presenter confessed she "wouldn't be here" if it weren't for the support of her close friend Sarah Hiscox.
Davina McCall opens up about addiction battle
The former Big Brother host began consuming alcohol as a teenager before developing a dependency on heroin. She achieved sobriety and has remained clean for more than 30 years. During the emotional interview, Davina tearfully admitted: "She got me clean - I wouldn't be here without her. I really wouldn't. I was desperate and I was pretending and I was trying to fake everything was fine."
The pair, who have been friends for four decades, appeared on Lorraine Kelly's programme as Sarah discussed her latest book, The Beginning and End of Everything, which examines her harrowing drug dependency. During that period, Sarah's addiction had become so severe that she lost both her marriage and access to her two sons. However, following 25 years of sobriety, Sarah has now reunited with her family and credits Davina as being instrumental in her recovery.
Emotional exchange on live TV
During a touching exchange, Davina became emotional as she said: "I'm so unbelievably proud of her. In so many ways she put herself out there. She wrote a book that was very painful for her to write." Clearly affected, she added: "Behind all of it is the sweetest most beautiful love story ever.. I'm going to start crying. Sarah's husband is an amazing man and what they went through together and where they are now."
Speaking directly to Sarah, Davina recalled: "She (Sarah) was honest with me and I hated her for it. She locked me in the car." Sarah interjected: "I loved her and I could see this incredibly vital woman that I loved. You know, she's family to me. I could see her just disappearing. She was running clubs at the time and everybody wanted to be on the guest list for one of her clubs so no one would dare confront her."
Friend's intervention saved Davina's life
Sarah recalled: "So I locked her in the car and I said listen..." Davina quipped: "I thought I was going to a Santana gig." Lorraine remarked: "You were getting a right talking to." Davina confirmed: "Yes I was." Lorraine continued: "But isn't that the thing about how much you need your pals because when the tables were turned, Davina you helped."
Discussing Sarah's book, Davina highlighted: "You know what I also think is an important message for anybody watching is that I read this book and I had to call you (Sarah) every five pages because I didn't know. I was best friends with her when we were 19, but I was kind of taking drugs recreationally. It was getting quite out of control but I was so self obsessed and wrapped up in myself, I didn't know how broken she was."
She went on to say: "You've got to ask people how they are, check in and make sure they're ok. Double check in - 'How are you really?' - because I never knew."
Lorraine airs weekdays from 9.30am on ITV1 and ITVX.
