Davina McCall has bravely opened up about her recent battle with a benign tumor, revealing how it left her feeling “angry” and “out of control” following her diagnosis. The 57-year-old TV personality and health advocate shared her experience during a candid conversation on her podcast, Begin Again, hosted by Steven Bartlett.
McCall first revealed her diagnosis in November 2023, when she learned she had a colloid cyst following a routine health check-up related to her menopause advocacy. The tumor, which doctors described as rare and potentially life-threatening, was surgically removed, but not before McCall underwent a stint in intensive care. She was supported throughout her recovery by her partner, celebrity hairdresser Michael Douglas, reported by the Daily Record.
Describing the tumor as “absolutely hideous,” McCall explained the emotional toll it took on her: “I felt like this thing had taken control of me and I was so angry about that. I couldn’t… I couldn’t let it go. (I thought) ‘How dare you control my daily life like this and make me feel every day like I’m in danger?’” Her frustration at the situation was palpable, highlighting the terrifying uncertainty of living with the tumor.
McCall expressed newfound empathy for those living with benign brain tumors, stressing that they are often underestimated in terms of their seriousness. “I have newfound enormous sympathy for people who have benign brain tumors. Because you think… I have had so many people say to me: ‘Well, at least it was benign.’ And you think: ‘You have no idea that benign brain tumors can still kill you,’” she said. “It’s just, you don’t know when it’s going to happen. It could happen tomorrow, it could happen in years’ time. It’s different to cancer, but it is also awful. A benign does not mean fine.”
Despite the challenges, McCall reflected on the valuable lessons learned from the experience. “Not changed me forever, but I’ve learned things about myself that I would never have learned without this operation,” she said. She believes that in the long run, this period of her life could be viewed as “one of the greatest blessings of my life.”
To bring some levity to a difficult situation, McCall humorously named her tumor “Jeffrey,” a name she chose simply because she didn’t know anyone by that name. She even threw “Jeffrey” a playful “happy birthday party with friends,” demonstrating her attempt to cope with the ordeal in a positive manner.
In the wake of her surgery, McCall took practical steps to prepare for the possibility of complications. She addressed her will, wrote letters for her children, and had serious conversations with Douglas about potential risks, including stroke and epilepsy. Reflecting on the impact on her family, McCall noted how her youngest son, Chester, only fully grasped the severity of the situation when she returned home after surgery.
Despite the frightening nature of her health scare, McCall is focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle and minimizing stress. She remains committed to continuing her advocacy work in women’s health and is determined to prioritize her wellbeing moving forward.
McCall’s candid reflections serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of early health check-ups and the unpredictable nature of health challenges, even with non-cancerous conditions.
