TV presenter Davina McCall has spoken openly for the first time about the emotional impact of being diagnosed with a benign brain tumour last year. The 57-year-old former Big Brother host revealed how the discovery of a rare colloid cyst left her feeling angry and powerless. Although classified as benign, the tumour carried risks severe enough to force her to confront her own mortality in ways she never expected.
In a deeply personal episode of her podcast Begin Again, McCall described how the diagnosis turned her life upside down. She explained that the tumour—nicknamed “Jeffrey”—made her feel like it had taken over her daily existence. Despite its non-cancerous nature, the condition was far from harmless.
A Diagnosis That Changed Everything
McCall discovered the tumour during routine health checks tied to her advocacy work on menopause awareness. Speaking with entrepreneur Steve Bartlett, she tearfully shared the fear and frustration of living under constant uncertainty.
“This thing had taken control of me, and I was so angry,” McCall said. “How dare it dictate my life and make me feel like I’m in danger every single day?”
Many people mistakenly believe that benign brain tumours are not life-threatening. However, McCall stressed that this isn’t always true. “People say, ‘Well, at least it’s benign.’ But they don’t understand—benign brain tumours can still kill you.”
According to the NHS, non-cancerous brain tumours are more common in individuals over 50 and can cause symptoms such as headaches, vision problems, and drowsiness. In some cases, removing these tumours without damaging surrounding tissue is extremely difficult. If surgery isn’t entirely successful, additional treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy may be necessary.
Preparing for the Worst
The diagnosis pushed McCall to take practical steps to prepare for the possibility of the worst outcome. She updated her will, created a WhatsApp group for her family, and penned heartfelt letters to her children in case she didn’t survive the surgery.
“I couldn’t live with the constant fear that something could happen at any moment,” she admitted. “I made sure everything was in order. I spoke to Michael [Douglas, her partner] about my wishes and ensured my will was airtight.”
Her recovery journey included time in intensive care and weeks of recuperation at home, where she relied heavily on Douglas for support. Through Instagram updates, McCall expressed gratitude for being back home but acknowledged the ongoing anxiety of living with uncertainty.
Finding Strength in Vulnerability
While the experience hasn’t fundamentally altered her outlook on life, McCall says it has given her a deeper sense of resilience and empathy.
“I now have enormous sympathy for anyone dealing with a benign brain tumour,” she shared. “It’s not the same as cancer, but it’s just as devastating. Benign doesn’t mean harmless.”
Looking to the future, McCall believes she’ll eventually see this chapter of her life as “one of the greatest blessings.” She urged her listeners to reflect on their priorities and encouraged them to create a bucket list without delay.
“Write your bucket list now,” she emphasized. “You never know what’s waiting around the corner.”
A Legacy of Advocacy and Resilience
Known for her tireless efforts to raise awareness about women’s health issues, McCall received an MBE in 2023 and a special recognition award at the National Television Awards in 2024. Currently hosting ITV’s My Mum, Your Dad, she continues to inspire audiences with her honesty and vulnerability.
Recently, fans were both delighted and surprised to see her appear in disguise on The Masked Singer. Her playful appearance highlighted her ability to find joy even after facing significant challenges.
