Davina McCall delivered an emotional speech during her first public appearance since undergoing brain surgery, addressing an audience at a Brain Tumour Research Campaign (BTRC) event.
The 57-year-old presenter, known for her warmth and relatability, spoke at All Saints Church in Fulham, sharing her recent experience with a benign brain tumour and connecting deeply with others affected by similar conditions. The event marked a significant moment for McCall as she shared her personal journey while supporting a cause close to her heart.
Introduced by Kevin O’Neill, the neurosurgeon who performed her surgery, McCall embraced him in a heartfelt hug before stepping up to the podium. Fighting back tears, she began her speech with characteristic humor and vulnerability. “I’m not going to cry… I’m crying already. That didn’t go well,” she said, her voice breaking as she acknowledged the gravity of the moment.
Her words resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom were also navigating the challenges of brain tumours or had lost loved ones to the condition.
In her speech, McCall reflected on her personal losses, including her sister, Caroline Baday, who passed away in 2012 from lung and bone cancer after being diagnosed with two brain tumours, and her ex-father-in-law, who died a year ago. “I know lots of you here are on your own brain tumour journey, and many of you have lost loved ones to a brain tumour. I lost my sister to a brain tumour in 2012 and my ex-father-in-law a year ago,” she shared, her voice heavy with emotion.
Her heartfelt recollections underscored the personal stakes that made her advocacy for brain tumour research all the more poignant.
McCall’s own journey began earlier this year when a company offered her a health scan in exchange for a menopause talk. The scan revealed a colloid cyst, a rare benign tumour, 14mm wide, situated in her brain. Explaining the situation to her followers, she remarked, “It needs to come out because if it grows, it would be bad.”
She detailed the rarity of the condition, calling it a “three in a million” occurrence. Describing the craniotomy procedure she underwent, she said with her trademark humor, “They go through the top of my head here and through the two halves of my brain to the middle. They get the cyst, take it out, empty it, and Bob’s your uncle.”
After the surgery, McCall shared a short video from her recovery bed, where she candidly discussed the aftermath. “My short-term memory is a bit remiss,” she said, adding that she had been writing everything down to help her feel secure.
Her openness about the physical and emotional challenges of recovery brought comfort to many who may be facing similar struggles. The NHS describes non-cancerous brain tumours like hers as slow-growing but serious, capable of being life-threatening if untreated. McCall’s experience has shone a spotlight on the importance of early detection and research.
The BTRC event also celebrated McCall’s contributions to raising awareness for brain tumour research. Sharing photos and videos from the night, the charity praised her as “a powerful voice for this cause.”
Her candid approach to discussing her health has inspired countless individuals to prioritize their well-being and seek help when needed. By using her platform to support medical research and awareness, McCall continues to make an impact far beyond her television career.
Reflecting on her life and career, McCall’s achievements are as varied as they are significant. Rising to fame in the 1990s as an MTV presenter, she later became a household name as the host of Big Brother from 2000 to 2010.
She has since presented numerous shows across various networks, including the recent ITV dating show My Mum, Your Dad. Last year, she was honored as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her services to broadcasting.
Beyond her professional life, McCall is a devoted mother to three children with her second husband, presenter Matthew Robertson. Since 2022, she has been in a relationship with hairdresser Michael Douglas, with whom she has found happiness and support.
Her personal resilience and commitment to using her platform for good have made her an enduring figure of inspiration. As McCall continues to recover from her surgery, her willingness to share her journey underscores her strength and dedication to advocating for change.
