**Davina McCall Reflects on Life and Mortality Following Brain Tumour Operation**
Television presenter Davina McCall has spoken candidly about her changing outlook on life and death after undergoing surgery to remove a benign brain tumour. The much-loved ITV personality, known for hosting iconic shows including Big Brother and The Masked Singer, shared her thoughts on mortality and personal growth in a heartfelt conversation on Fearne Cotton’s ‘Happy Place’ podcast.
McCall, who is now 57, revealed that a routine health check, offered to her due to her menopausal advocacy work, led to the discovery of a colloid cyst in her brain. Following successful surgery in November 2024, she was given the all-clear after a final MRI scan, with doctors confirming that the tumour was not returning. Despite the ordeal, McCall described the experience as the “biggest journey” of her life, leading to profound shifts in her attitude.
Reflecting on her experience, McCall admitted that she now feels unafraid of death. “I am not afraid of dying anymore and it was the biggest journey of my life,” she confessed. She described the period from August to November as transformative, explaining that she focused on cultivating a sense of calm and acceptance in the face of uncertainty.
A significant part of her journey, McCall shared, involved launching a podcast titled ‘Begin Again,’ aimed at helping others lead lives they truly cherish. She spoke passionately about the importance of living authentically—so that, when faced with the end-of-life, one feels no regrets about paths not taken or dreams left unfulfilled. “Begin Again is about just starting over and living the life you want,” she said, highlighting her commitment to personal reinvention and encouraging others to pursue happiness and contentment.
Despite her new outlook, McCall acknowledged that her main concern, had things gone differently during surgery, was the wellbeing of her family. Particularly, she worried about her children, explaining that a parent’s contentment is closely tied to the happiness of their offspring. “You’re only as happy as your unhappiest child,” she remarked, admitting to having spent months meticulously considering her children’s wellbeing and future stability in her absence.
Her partner, Michael Douglas, was another key support during her recovery. While McCall believed he had the resilience to cope, she confessed that her children were uppermost in her thoughts. Gradually, she came to believe that they would find ways to thrive regardless of her outcome—a realisation she called “the best gift”, allowing herself to let go of fear and face her situation with acceptance.
After her operation, McCall required a period in intensive care before returning home to recuperate, where Douglas played an essential role in aiding her recovery. She later spoke openly about her experience during Comic Relief’s Red Nose Day broadcast, describing it as “the hardest thing I’ve ever been through.” The NHS notes that non-cancerous brain tumours are most common in those over 50, and can present with symptoms such as headaches, visual disturbances, and fatigue. These tumours may be difficult to excise without harming nearby tissue.
Beyond her personal health journey, McCall continues to be a prominent supporter of women’s health issues. She has presented documentaries seeking to dispel myths around menopause and contraceptives—efforts which earned her an MBE for services to broadcasting in the King’s 2023 birthday honours, as well as special recognition at the National Television Awards in 2024.
Her candid interview on ‘Happy Place’ provides an intimate look into how facing a life-altering diagnosis can inspire profound reassessment and positive action. McCall’s bravery and openness are striking reminders that even amid adversity, it is possible to embrace life with courage and inspire others to do the same.
Listeners can hear the full interview on Fearne Cotton’s ‘Happy Place’ podcast, where Davina McCall expands further on her journey, her fears, and the wisdom she’s gleaned through hardship.