Davina McCall's Health Journey: A Detailed Timeline
Davina McCall's health has been a topic of public interest, particularly since her brave disclosure of a brain tumour diagnosis in 2024. The benign colloid cyst, discovered during a routine health check offered after a talk on menopause, necessitated major surgery. The diagnosis was a shock, particularly for someone who has long been a public figure known for her focus on health and fitness.
The Initial Diagnosis and Surgery
In November 2024, McCall revealed to her followers via social media that she would be undergoing surgery to remove a 14mm benign colloid cyst from her brain's third ventricle. This type of cyst is exceptionally rare, affecting only a handful of people in a million. Despite being non-cancerous, such cysts can be life-threatening if left untreated, carrying a risk of sudden death. Davina openly discussed the dangers, cautioning that "benign does not mean fine".
The operation, a craniotomy, was successfully performed in November 2024. Following the surgery, Davina spent time in intensive care before returning home to begin her recovery. Her partner, Michael Douglas, provided early updates to her fans while she was recuperating.
Recovery and Health Milestones in 2025
Throughout 2025, Davina has been transparent about her recovery, sharing both the physical and emotional challenges she faced.
March 2025: First Live TV Return
Just four months after her surgery, Davina made her first live TV appearance on BBC's The One Show. Initially nervous about returning to work, she was encouraged by her partner and found immense joy in getting back to a sense of normality. She spoke about her journey and the significant step this represented in her recovery.
April 2025: The 'All Clear' Scan
A major milestone was reached in April 2025 when Davina announced she had received the "all clear" following her final MRI scan. The scan confirmed that the colloid cyst was successfully and completely removed, with no signs of its return. This was a profoundly emotional moment for McCall and her family, bringing huge relief after months of uncertainty.
September 2025: Reflecting on the Emotional Toll
In September 2025, McCall appeared on the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast, speaking tearfully about the psychological impact of her diagnosis. Despite being physically recovered, she admitted that she still needed to do "some work" on the emotional side of the experience, revealing that the fear of death, which she had experienced all her life, was heightened by the ordeal.
A Comparison of Davina's Health Challenges
To understand the full picture, it is helpful to compare her brain tumour experience with her long-documented journey through menopause and her history with addiction.
| Aspect | Menopause | Brain Tumour | Addiction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nature of Challenge | Natural life stage, complex hormonal changes. | Acute, life-threatening medical emergency. | Chronic, psychological and physiological dependency. |
| Symptoms | Fatigue, memory fog, anxiety, hot flushes, mood swings. | Short-term memory loss, confusion, concentration issues. | Variety of debilitating physical and mental symptoms. |
| Recovery | Long-term management via lifestyle changes, HRT, and advocacy. | Post-operative physical and psychological rehabilitation. | Lifelong commitment to recovery, therapy, and support. |
| Davina's Advocacy | Extensive public education and breaking taboos through documentaries. | Using her platform to highlight the importance of health checks and the benign-but-deadly risks. | Openly discussing her past to help others. |
The Broader Picture: Menopause and Mental Health
Davina's health advocacy extends far beyond her recent brain tumour. Her work on menopause has been groundbreaking, destigmatising the topic and encouraging open dialogue. Symptoms of perimenopause she experienced, such as anxiety and fatigue, were at times debilitating, affecting her professional life. She has spoken candidly about losing her 'joy' during this time, a feeling many women can relate to.
Similarly, her openness about her past addiction struggles has offered hope and inspiration to many. This resilience and ability to confront personal challenges head-on are consistent themes throughout her life. The brain tumour diagnosis, while physically severe, was met with the same proactive, determined spirit. It underscores her message that preventative health checks are vital, regardless of how healthy one might feel.
The Role of Exercise and Mindfulness in Recovery
McCall has consistently championed the benefits of exercise and a healthy lifestyle. This approach became even more critical during her recovery from brain surgery. She consciously built up her strength before the operation and relied on regular, gentle exercise as a form of medicine post-surgery.
- Pre-Surgery Conditioning: Leading up to her craniotomy, Davina increased her physical fitness, extending her runs and focusing on building muscle mass. This proactive step was to help her body cope with the trauma of surgery and the subsequent period of reduced mobility.
- Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: Following the operation, she initially started with daily walks and gradually increased her activity level. She noted that losing muscle was a challenge, but her return to training was a significant step toward feeling like herself again.
- Sleep as a Tool: Davina also emphasised the power of sleep in her recovery, noting that if she felt confused or struggled to concentrate, she would sleep and wake up refreshed. This highlights her mindful approach to listening to her body's needs during rehabilitation.
The Power of a Strong Support System
Davina's journey has also showcased the immense importance of a strong support network. Her partner, Michael Douglas, provided unwavering care during her recovery, acting as a crucial pillar of support. She also spoke gratefully about her stepmother, Gabby, and the support from her children.
This network not only provided practical help but also emotional reassurance during a terrifying time. McCall's public thanks to them illustrates how critical such support is during a major health crisis.
Conclusion
To answer the question, Is Davina McCall still ill?, the physical illness is over, but the emotional journey continues. Davina McCall is not currently ill with the benign brain tumour she was diagnosed with in 2024. The surgery to remove the colloid cyst was successful, and by April 2025, she was given the all-clear following follow-up scans. While the physical aspect of the tumour has been resolved, her recovery has also been a testament to her resilience, highlighting the importance of addressing the ongoing psychological impact of such a major health event. Her journey serves as a powerful reminder to take health scares seriously and to appreciate the value of both physical and mental well-being.
Her experience also reinforces her broader message about proactive health checks and listening to your body. As she continues to move forward, her recovery stands as an inspiration, proving that even after facing the toughest of battles, it is possible to find renewed joy and gratitude in life.
For more information on the significance of preventative health checks, particularly for women, visit the website of the NHS.
