Entertainment
Davina McCall to Undergo Surgery for Rare Brain Tumour
TV presenter Davina McCall, 57, has revealed that she will be undergoing surgery to remove a rare type of brain tumour. In a heartfelt video posted on Instagram, McCall shared that she had been diagnosed with a colloid cyst, a benign but potentially problematic tumour.
Although non-cancerous, colloid cysts can cause serious health issues if left untreated due to their growth. According to the Brainstrust charity, these types of cysts develop slowly, but their location and potential size can make them concerning. “It needs to come out because if it grows, it would be bad,” McCall explained to her followers, maintaining her characteristic resilience. “So say a prayer for me. I am in good spirits.”
McCall recounted how the discovery was made by chance. “A few months ago, I did a menopause talk for a company and they offered me a health scan in return, which I thought I was going to ace,” she said. However, the scan revealed the unexpected presence of the colloid cyst. “It’s very rare – three in a million,” she noted.
Initially, McCall admitted to “putting her head in the sand” as she processed the diagnosis. After consulting multiple neurosurgeons and weighing her options, she decided that surgery was necessary. The tumour, approximately 14mm wide, occupied significant space in her brain, prompting the need for a craniotomy – a procedure in which part of the skull is removed to access and extract the growth.
“Get the cyst, empty it, take it out, Bob’s your uncle,” McCall said, displaying her signature humor amidst the seriousness. She added that she expected to stay in the hospital for about nine days post-operation.
Throughout her announcement, McCall was accompanied by her partner, Michael Douglas, and spoke candidly about the emotional journey they had shared. “We’ve been through a lot, yes,” she said, acknowledging the support they’ve provided one another.
Addressing her followers directly, McCall reassured them, “I don’t want you to worry about me. I’m doing that enough. But I’m not worrying too much and I am in a good space.” Expressing her trust in her surgeon and medical team, she concluded by saying she was ready to “hand the reins over” to them.
The announcement was met with an outpouring of support and well-wishes from fans and peers alike, all expressing hope for a successful surgery and speedy recovery for the beloved television personality.