Davina McCall says ‘it’s nice to be home’ after brain surgery
3 min read
TV presenter Davina McCall has shared an uplifting update with her fans after undergoing surgery to remove a benign brain tumour. In an emotional Instagram post on Monday, she revealed that she is now recovering at home, expressing how “really nice” it feels to be back. McCall, 57, thanked everyone for their supportive messages, calling them “the world” to her during this challenging time.
In her post, McCall explained that while her short-term memory is a little affected, she is managing by writing things down to feel safe and stay organized. She shared that she is resting, sleeping a lot, and feeling “really good,” adding that she feels “very lucky” to be on the mend. This marks the first direct update from McCall since her diagnosis earlier this month, though her partner, Michael, had been posting updates on her behalf. Michael had previously shared that she had been moved out of intensive care after her surgery and thanked well-wishers for their ongoing support.
McCall also took a moment in her Instagram story to express her gratitude for the care she has been receiving. She gave a special shout-out to her step-mum, Gabby, calling her a “big dose of vitamin G.” McCall acknowledged how important Gabby had been in her life, calling her a “rock” and someone who has supported her through everything. She continued by saying that, although she has always felt lucky in life, this experience has made her feel “unbelievably grateful.”
Earlier this month, McCall revealed that she had been diagnosed with a colloid cyst, a rare benign tumour found in the brain. In a video posted to social media, she explained how the tumour had been discovered by chance after she had taken part in a health scan, which she initially thought would be a routine procedure. “A few months ago, I did a menopause talk for a company, and they offered me a health scan in return, which I thought I was going to ace. But it turned out I had a benign brain tumour called a colloid cyst, which is very rare — three in a million,” McCall explained in the video.
Colloid cysts are slow-growing, fluid-filled tumours that develop in a central cavity in the brain. While benign and not cancerous, they are considered rare and account for less than 2% of all primary brain tumours. The Brainstrust charity explains that the growth and symptoms of colloid cysts can vary, but they tend to be slow-growing. McCall revealed that she underwent a craniotomy to remove the tumour, a procedure in which part of the skull is temporarily removed to access and remove the cyst. Surgeons had described the operation as “textbook,” a term used to indicate that it went smoothly and as planned.
Throughout her recovery, McCall has been surrounded by family support. Her long-time partner Michael and step-mum Gabby have been instrumental in her care and recovery process. In addition to her gratitude for her loved ones, McCall has expressed deep appreciation for her fans and the messages of support she received.
McCall has enjoyed a long and successful career in television, hosting popular shows such as Big Brother on Channel 4, ITV’s Long Lost Family, and My Mum, Your Dad, as well as hosting charity events like Comic Relief and Sport Relief for the BBC. Earlier this year, McCall was recognized with a special award at the National TV Awards for her significant contributions to the television industry over the years.
Beyond her TV work, McCall has become a prominent voice in raising awareness about menopause. Her own experience with menopause led her to speak publicly about the struggles many women face during this stage of life. In 2021, she made a documentary called Sex, Myths and Menopause, which had a profound impact on raising awareness about the importance of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). McCall’s advocacy led to a surge in demand for HRT, which was coined the “Davina effect” by many. Her influence continued when she co-wrote Menopausing, a best-selling book on the topic with Dr. Naomi Potter, which won the British Book Award for 2022.
With her surgery now behind her, McCall is focused on her recovery and feeling deeply thankful for the love and support she’s received. While she takes time to heal, her fans are hopeful that she will continue to inspire with her advocacy for women’s health and her ongoing work in television.
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