Davina McCall says she 'can't stop crying' as she discusses brain tumour recovery on Loose Women
The presenter, who had a six-hour operation to remove a benign colloid cyst, said the experience was traumatic even as she described feeling 'amazing' and cancer-free
Davina McCall said she has been unable to stop crying as she reflected on her recent brain tumour treatment while appearing on ITV's Loose Women, describing the surgery and recovery as traumatic even as she said she now feels "amazing" and is cancer-free.
The 57-year-old presenter, who announced in November that she had been diagnosed with a colloid cyst — a rare, benign type of brain tumour — told panellists that she still becomes tearful when she speaks about the experience. McCall said the cyst, which measured about 14mm, was removed in a six-hour operation and that she has since been declared free of cancer.
Visibly emotional on the ITV programme, McCall said she cried frequently when recounting the ordeal and attributed the response to trauma. "It was traumatic — the experience — but I feel amazing now," she told panellists. "I am so happy. I can't believe I'm here with you. Everything is a joy, getting up in the morning, having a coffee. I'm still in the joys of it. I want to put it behind me, I feel great. I want to stop crying."
McCall was on Loose Women to discuss her latest book, Birthing, which focuses on conception and birth, but the conversation turned to her health. She also confirmed that hours after the pre-recorded interview the news emerged that she is engaged to her hairstylist boyfriend, Michael Douglas.
Friends said McCall had been close to Mr. Douglas, 47, for years before their romantic relationship began after her divorce was finalised in April 2018. The couple went public with their relationship in 2018, and by January 2023 he had moved in with her. The engagement was kept private initially, and McCall did not inform ITV bosses before the news became public.
McCall has previously described the tumour diagnosis and subsequent surgery as a stark reminder of life's fragility. Colloid cysts are benign growths typically found near the brain's ventricular system; while they are not cancerous, they can cause pressure on surrounding structures and, in some cases, require surgical removal to alleviate symptoms and prevent complications. McCall's six-hour operation removed the roughly 14mm cyst, and medical updates provided by her have said she is now free of cancer.
On the programme she described a mixed emotional response: intense gratitude at her recovery and the simple pleasures of daily life, alongside lingering emotional after-effects from the trauma of diagnosis and surgery. She said those feelings sometimes overwhelm her when she discusses the episode.
Earlier this year McCall had said she would not marry again, citing a contented relationship that did not require formalising through marriage. Friends said her decision to accept the recent proposal reflected a renewed perspective after her health scare.
Loose Women host Ruth Langsford offered congratulations during the broadcast, and McCall's discussion of both her health and personal life comes amid promotion for Birthing, which examines conception and childbirth experiences. McCall has three children and has drawn on personal experience and interviews for the new book.
Medical experts note that emotional and psychological responses after major surgery, particularly involving the brain, can include episodes of tearfulness, mood changes and other affective symptoms, and that follow-up care often includes support for emotional recovery as well as physical rehabilitation. McCall said she is receiving care and support and emphasised her gratitude for being well enough to resume work and everyday activities.