Davina McCall has shared that her short-term memory is “a bit remiss” as she continues recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumor.
Speaking from her bed in an emotional video posted on Instagram, the TV presenter updated her followers on her condition, describing the past few weeks as a “mad” time.
She extended an “enormous heartfelt thank you” to everyone who reached out to her after she revealed she had a benign brain tumor called a colloid cyst, which she noted is “very rare.”
Appearing bright but with a visibly bruised left eye, McCall said: “My short-term memory is a bit remiss. But that is something I can work on, so I’m really happy about that.
I’m writing everything down to keep myself feeling safe.” She added, “It’s been mad, and it’s just really nice to be back home. I’m on the other side.”
In a caption accompanying the video, she reiterated her gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received, writing: “Had a great night’s sleep in my own bed. Have a couple of sleeps during the day which keeps my brain clear… Slowly, slowly…”
McCall first disclosed her diagnosis earlier this month, explaining that the chances of developing this condition were “three in a million.”
She discovered the tumor several months ago after undergoing a health scan offered to her by a company in exchange for giving a talk on menopause.
The 57-year-old star expressed that the support from her fans “meant the world.” She also credited her partner, hairdresser Michael Douglas, and her stepmother Gabby, whom she calls mum, for taking excellent care of her.
Fighting back tears, McCall said: “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.”
McCall has been open about being estranged from her birth mother, Florence McCall, who passed away in 2008.
With emotion in her voice, she continued: “I’ve got a massive dose of vitamin G—I’m just really grateful. I’ve always 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 and sleeping loads, and I feel really good. I’m just very lucky.”
The positive update delighted many of her celebrity friends, including presenter Alison Hammond, singer Craig David, and radio host Zoe Ball, who quickly shared their messages of support.
McCall initially rose to fame in the mid-1990s presenting on MTV and later on Channel 4’s Streetmate. She became a household name as the host of Big Brother from 2000 to 2010.
Recently, McCall has been hosting ITV’s dating show My Mum, Your Dad. In 2023, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to broadcasting. She received the honor alongside her partner Michael Douglas and her daughter Holly Robertson.
Twice married, McCall has three children—two daughters and a son—with her second husband, presenter Matthew Robertson.
Since 2022, she has lived with Douglas, with whom she co-hosts the weekly lifestyle podcast Making The Cut.
