Davina McCall shares major health update four months after brain surgery and admits ‘It’s a lot to unpack’
DAVINA McCall has revealed a major health update four months after her brain surgery.
The TV star, 57, had surgery late last year in order to remove a benign tumour.
Almost half a year on, Davina has opened up on her recovery in the time since.
The star attended Brain Tumour Research’s Closer to a Cure: 15 Years of Impact gala, alongside her partner, hairstylist Michael Douglas.
Speaking to hello! at the Dorchester Hotel event, Davina shared: “It’s quite an interesting thing to go through.
“It’s four months ago – for Michael it seems like forever, but to me it feels like it’s gone in the blink of an eye because obviously the first two months I had no short-term memory.
“Now I’m back to work and everything’s beginning to work again.
“I’m beginning to process it a lot more, in a good way. It’s a lot to unpack.”
In November 2024, Davina shared a poignant video message on her Instagram.
The star explained how, at that point in time, she was in surgery to remove a 14mm colloid cyst from her brain.
Davina was diagnosed with a benign but very rare tumour purely by chance after being offered a scan a few months ago.
The star — mum to Holly, 23, Tilly, 21, and Chester, 18, from her former marriage to TV presenter Matthew Robertson — sought further medical advice before opting for a craniotomy.
Last month, the presenter became tearful as she opened up about her tough year after her brain surgery.
Davina choked up during a powerful chat with broadcaster Cindy Gallop, who asked how women could build confidence at a younger age.
She said: “I had a lot going on last year …
“And part of me has always been a people pleaser.
“Doing things that other people want me to do, or expect me to do.
“And I realised I wasn’t free.”
‘3 in 1m’ colloid cyst is benign
By Sam Blanchard, Health Correspondent
DAVINA’S brain tumour is a rare type of growth called a colloid cyst and is benign, meaning it is not cancerous.
It will not spread to other parts of her body so it is less dangerous than a malignant tumour.
Benign tumours often need removing because as they grow, they put pressure on important parts of the brain — potentially crushing nerves or cutting off the flow of blood.
Colloid cysts only affect about three in every one million people. They are thought to be present from birth and grow slowly over time.
The cysts may only be found once they cause symptoms — such as headaches and memory trouble — or during tests for other conditions.
Doctors often choose to watch and wait if the tumour is small or they may remove larger ones.