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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Entertainment
Lisa McLoughlin

Davina McCall 'out of the woods' after brain tumour surgery and planning January work return

TV presenter Davina McCall (Victoria Jones/PA - (PA Archive)

Davina McCall is "out of the woods" following brain tumour surgery and is aiming to return to work by mid-January.

The 57-year-old presenter went underwent a craniotomy to remove a "very rare" colloid cyst, a condition that affects only three in a million people, and is currently recovering after the six-hour surgery.

While recovering at home, her boyfriend Michael Douglas shared an update on her health, revealing that after the "very, very emotional" experience, the broadcaster is now focused on resting and recuperating.

Taking to Instagram Live on Tuesday, the hairdresser revealed: “She's quite tired at the moment. She sleeps really well at night and goes to bed at 10pm and has a nap in the morning, and sleeps for two or three hours in the afternoon.

“It's the way your brain heals is by resting. Her body is naturally forcing her to rest”.

However, Douglas reassured fans and revealed that she’ll be back to work in the new year.

McCall’s partner spoke about her recovery (Instagram/Michael Douglas)

He continued: “She's off [work] until mid-January. She's got a lot of time to relax and recuperate.

“It's been a very, very emotional and quite an incredible experience. We're definitely out of the woods.”

Douglas’ comments come after McCall shared an emotional update following the unexpected brain surgery.

The TV presenter underwent surgery almost two weeks ago after revealing that a benign brain tumour, known as a colloid cyst, was found when she was offered a health check-up as part of her menopause advocacy work.

In a heartfelt Instagram post on Monday, Davina fought back tears as she expressed gratitude to her friends and family for their support and shared a candid update on her recovery journey.

Speaking in the video message filmed from her bed, she began: “Hi, I just thought I'd check in and say an enormous heartfelt thank you to everybody who's messaged me or been in touch.

“It's meant the world. It's been mad and it's just really nice to be back home. I'm on the other side. My short term memory's a bit remiss but that is something that I can work on so I'm really happy about that.

“I'm writing down everything that I'm doing to keep myself feeling safe and I'm being brilliantly looked after by Michael and my mum. I'd quickly like to say big up the stepmums. I don't really say thank you to Gabby enough. She's been an amazing rock my whole life.”

Becoming emotional, she continued: “I was talking yesterday to somebody, I said I've got a massive dose of vitamin G. I think when something like this happens I just feel so grateful. I've always been grateful, I've been really lucky in my life.

“But I feel unbelievably grateful right now. So thanks for everything all of you. I'm on the mend, I'm resting, I'm sleeping loads and I feel really good. I just feel very lucky.”

Continuing to share her gratitude for the outpouring of support, Davina captioned the post: “Hey!!! … thank you. For the messages . It’s meant the world. Just want to thank @mdlondon, who gets best boyfriend ever award. Voted for by me and everyone that knows us.

“Also … best mum ever award … goes to @gabbamccall. Thank you mumma. For being best grandma … and mumma ever.

“I am feeling much better. Had a great nights sleep in my own bed. Have a couple of sleeps during the day which keeps my brain clear … slowly slowly… huge gratitude, and love for the world and my life and the beautiful people in it.

“Thank you to all my friends. You are the best. Thank you to @clevelandclinic and my amazing neurosurgeon. Kevin. I love you. Thank you Sydney, sarah, and all the amazing beautiful souls that cared for me.

“Get used to this. It’s going to be pouring out of me.”

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