Davina McCall recently shared that she is undergoing brain surgery following a rare cancer diagnosis. On November 15, the beloved TV personality asked her followers for prayers as she prepared for the complex procedure. Her partner, Michael Douglas, explained in an Instagram video that Davina would be stepping away from the spotlight for a while to recover. She revealed that the cancer she was diagnosed with is extremely rare, making her one of “three in a million.”
McCall’s journey began with a routine health scan that unexpectedly led to her diagnosis. She was found to have a benign brain tumor known as a colloid cyst, a condition so rare that it occurs only three times per million cases. Initially overwhelmed and hesitant to face the diagnosis, McCall consulted several neurosurgeons. Ultimately, she made the decision to have the tumor removed, as its size and position posed a severe risk to her health. At 57, she explained that the tumor, which measures 14 millimeters, had to be removed because its continued growth could have catastrophic consequences.
In a heartfelt pre-recorded message shared on the morning of her surgery, McCall detailed the upcoming procedure, a craniotomy to remove the tumor. She described how surgeons would access the center of her brain by entering through the top and sides of her skull to extract and remove the cyst. With her characteristic sense of humor, she reassured her fans, saying, “Get the cyst. Remove it. Empty it. Bob’s your uncle.” She ended the message with a simple but earnest request: “Please pray for me. I’m feeling really positive.”
Her partner Michael Douglas added a touch of lightness, joking that he would perform the surgery himself to ensure it was done properly. Despite the challenges ahead, McCall reassured her fans that she remains in good health and high spirits, noting, “We’ve been through a lot, but I feel confident.”
The former Big Brother host also informed her followers that she would be off her phone for a while, spending about nine days in the hospital before heading home. She encouraged her supporters not to worry, saying, “I’m optimistic and not overly stressed. I trust my surgeon completely and know I’m in good hands.” Signing off with her trademark positivity, she added, “I’ll see you on the other side.”
