Davina McCall has spoken of the "challenges" she is facing amid her ongoing series of health setbacks. Last week, the presenter revealed that she suffered from "advanced Alzheimer's" symptoms following her brain tumour surgery in 2024.
Whilst the 14mm tumour, known as a colloid cyst, was successfully removed, McCall revealed that she struggled for months afterwards as she began to lose her memory, in what she called the "worst year of my life". That same year, McCall received another health scare when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, undergoing a lumpectomy in November to remove it.
Cardiovascular disease diagnosis
And just this week, the 59-year-old revealed that she has been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease, an umbrella term for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. McCall shared her new health diagnosis on her podcast this week.
Reflecting on her recent setbacks, McCall opened up at Hello! Magazine's Power List party about the gift of ageing. She said, as reported by The Express: "I once heard ageing called the second spring and I love that, because it's how I feel.
Facing challenges with a positive outlook
"I do feel like a bouncy lamb, getting more annoying as I get older. I also feel as though, by doing that, it's liberating other people."
"When I see other women behaving exactly how they want, I think, 'Oh I could do that'." "I can't believe how lucky I am. Life is for living and you are all brilliant examples of women who are doing just that," she told the crowd celebrating trailblazing women "ruling their second acts with style, substance, and zero compromise".
"Coming here, I get so over-excited because you infect me with your joy, your wisdom, your courage and your life. Life throws us challenges at this age, but life also gives you the tools to deal with it," she added.
Vulnerability after illness
The 59-year-old opened up on her most recent diagnosis on the latest episode of her podcast Begin Again. She admitted that falling ill had left her feeling more vulnerable than before.
"Anyone can get sick and when I had my cancer experience, you just suddenly feel vulnerable in a way you weren't before."
"Once you've been ill, you think, 'Oh, I thought I was invincible.'" Disclosing her condition, she shared how she initially mistook her symptoms for indigestion. She went on to speak about the importance for women in recognising the telltale signs of the disease.
