Joel Dommett praises Davina McCall as inspirational after brain surgery and breast cancer diagnosis ahead of The Masked Singer return

Joel Dommett has publicly praised his inspirational friend Davina McCall after she underwent brain surgery and disclosed a breast cancer diagnosis, as the pair prepare to return to The Masked Singer in January and a Christmas special is scheduled for Boxing Day.

Dommett told The Mirror that McCall has been through a sequence of serious health challenges, calling her “incredible” and saying she has “got over all of it and been through a lot.” He added that, in a strange way, it “couldn’t have happened to a more inspirational person” and that she has the power to make people feel better about whatever they’re going through. The comments come as the long-running ITV competition prepares to bring both judges and audiences back together for a new season, alongside the Christmas episode set to air on Boxing Day.

McCall’s health saga stretches back to late 2024, when she publicly disclosed a colloid cyst, a rare type of brain tumour. She subsequently endured a gruelling six-hour operation to remove the 14mm cyst, an ordeal she has described as life-changing but ultimately successful. Nearly a year later, she revealed in November that she had been diagnosed with breast cancer six weeks earlier and had undergone surgery to remove the lump through a lumpectomy. Doctors determined the disease had been caught very early, but radiotherapy would be required as part of her treatment plan.

In a candid clip, McCall explained that the breast cancer diagnosis only came to light while she was filming The Masked Singer, after a sign on the back of a Lorraine studio toilet door urged her to check her breasts. She said the lump had persisted and that a biopsy confirmed cancer, leading to the lumpectomy performed about three weeks prior to her public statement. The revelation underscored a broader narrative she has shared about the importance of early detection and regular health checks, particularly for women at any age.

The Update in public remarks from Dommett has centered on a shared sense of resilience and mutual support, emphasizing the rapport between Dommett, McCall, and the rest of the Masked Singer panel. Dommett noted that the group maintains a respectful and affectionate dynamic, both on and off set, which has helped them navigate a demanding schedule and the emotional toll of health concerns affecting a friend and colleague. His reflections align with a broader message from McCall herself, who has stressed openness about her conditions to encourage others to seek medical advice promptly.

As McCall continues treatment, sources close to the production have indicated that the Christmas special remains on track for Boxing Day, with the January return of The Masked Singer expected to bring new performances and fresh twists for a show that has long blended music and entertainment with a sense of warmth and solidarity. While radiotherapy is part of her ongoing plan, there is cautious optimism about her recovery, and McCall has expressed gratitude for the support of friends, family, and fans throughout this period. The public conversation surrounding her health has highlighted the importance of early detection and consistent medical follow-up for women facing similar diagnoses.

McCall’s public disclosures during the timeframe have underscored a broader theme of perseverance in the entertainment industry, where performers often balance demanding creative commitments with personal health journeys. The Masked Singer team has publicly affirmed their support for McCall and her family, reiterating their commitment to a respectful and collaborative work environment as she continues to make progress. With the Christmas special and January return looming, viewers will have an opportunity to see the show and its performers rally around a friend facing serious health challenges, illustrating the sense of community that characterizes the series and its public discourse.

Davina McCall has not only spoken about her experience—she has also used her platform to emphasize that early detection can save lives. She described how signs and reminders encountered during daily routines, such as the Lorraine show’s encouragement to check for changes, played a crucial role in prompting medical evaluation. This has added a layer of public health education to her personal story, resonating with audiences who may be influenced by her openness about a sensitive topic.

Looking ahead, executives behind The Masked Singer have stressed that the series will continue to prioritize talent, entertainment, and the wellbeing of its cast. The Christmas special is expected to deliver the familiar mix of surprise celebrity reveals and festive cheer, while January’s season is anticipated to bring new performances and the ongoing narrative of McCall’s health journey contributing to the show’s emotional texture. In the broader cultural landscape, McCall’s experiences have sparked conversations about resilience, patient advocacy, and the role public figures can play in encouraging proactive health care.

As she moves through treatment, McCall has remained focused on gratitude for those who have supported her and a renewed appreciation for life’s ordinary moments. Her family and colleagues have offered public expressions of support, reinforcing the sense that her health challenges have deepened the connections within her professional and personal circles. Fans and observers will be closely watching not only her appearance on The Masked Singer but also her ongoing journey toward recovery, a testament to perseverance in the face of serious illness.