TV Presenter Davina McCall Leaves ICU Following Brain Surgery
Davina McCall has made significant progress in her recovery, with her partner Michael Douglas announcing she is now out of intensive care following surgery to remove a rare brain tumor.
Sharing the update on Instagram, Douglas expressed gratitude to well-wishers and described McCall’s recovery as an “enormous leap forward” in the past 24 hours. The 57-year-old TV presenter had earlier revealed she was diagnosed with a colloid cyst, a type of benign brain tumor, which had been discovered during a routine health scan offered after a menopause talk.
Colloid cysts are non-cancerous growths that typically form in the brain’s central cavity and are filled with fluid. According to the Brainstrust charity, they are extremely rare, affecting only about three in a million people, and account for less than 2% of primary brain tumors.
McCall explained that her tumor was found unexpectedly and required a craniotomy, a surgical procedure where part of the skull is removed to access and extract the growth. Following the surgery, Douglas assured followers that the operation had been “textbook,” and McCall’s recovery so far has been positive.
In her initial posts, McCall reflected on the chance discovery of the tumor and the relief of having it identified and treated. She thanked her followers for their support and shared optimism about her recovery journey.
Colloid cysts, while typically slow-growing, can vary in symptoms and impact, making her early detection through a health scan particularly fortuitous. The presenter used the opportunity to highlight the importance of regular health checks and maintaining awareness of one’s health status.
Davina McCall’s illustrious career spans decades, including iconic roles such as hosting Big Brother on Channel 4, Long Lost Family on ITV, and My Mum, Your Dad. She has also been a key figure in Comic and Sport Relief programs on the BBC.
Earlier this year, she received a special recognition award at the National TV Awards, celebrating her contributions to the television industry. Beyond her TV career, McCall has become a vocal advocate for health awareness, particularly around menopause and women’s health.
Her advocacy for menopause awareness has had a significant cultural impact, famously dubbed the “Davina effect.” In 2021, her Channel 4 documentary Sex, Myths, and Menopause led to a surge in demand for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as it brought attention to women’s struggles with menopause.
Building on this momentum, she co-wrote the bestselling book Menopausing with Dr. Naomi Potter, which won the top prize at the 2022 British Book Awards. Her work continues to empower women to speak openly about their health and seek the support they need.
As she recovers from this major health challenge, McCall’s determination and transparency have resonated with her 1.9 million Instagram followers and beyond. Her ability to turn personal experiences into advocacy reflects her enduring influence both on and off the screen.
With the support of her partner and fans, she is expected to continue inspiring others through her resilience and advocacy for health and wellness.
