It’s not every day you hear about a TV presenter facing two serious health scares in just over a year. But for Davina McCall, the British television host known for Big Brother and The Jump, that’s exactly what happened. In November 2024 she underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumour, and less than a year later she announced a breast cancer diagnosis. Here’s what we know so far, with verified facts and sources.

Age: 56 (born 16 October 1967) ·
Children: 3 (Holly, Tilly, Chester) ·
Brain tumour surgery: November 2024 (colloid cyst) ·
Breast cancer diagnosis: November 2025 ·
Current partner: Michael Douglas (hairdresser, since 2019)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact long-term prognosis for breast cancer (treatment details not fully public)
  • Whether weight loss is primarily lifestyle-driven or health-related
  • Extent of cosmetic procedures on her face – she has admitted fillers but denied surgery
3Timeline signal
4What’s next

Eight key facts about Davina McCall’s life and health, one pattern: a public figure navigating two major medical events with transparency.

Label Value
Full name Davina Lucy Pascale McCall
Date of birth 16 October 1967
Occupation Television presenter, author, fitness advocate
Children Holly (b. 2002), Tilly (b. 2003), Chester (b. 2006)
Ex-husband Matthew Robertson (m. 2000–2019)
Current partner Michael Douglas (hairdresser, since 2019)
Brain tumour surgery November 2024 (colloid cyst)
Breast cancer diagnosis November 2025

What has Davina McCall been diagnosed with?

Breast cancer diagnosis in November 2025

Nearly a year after her brain surgery, Davina McCall revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. The announcement came via Instagram in November 2025, as reported by Sky News (UK news broadcaster). She said she found a lump a few weeks earlier and underwent a lumpectomy, with clear margins and clear lymph nodes, according to People (celebrity news outlet). She planned five days of radiation treatment.

Why this matters

McCall’s dual disclosures – a brain tumour and then breast cancer in rapid succession – put a human face on a statistic that one in two people will develop cancer in their lifetime. For her millions of followers, the takeaway is proactive screening.

Brain tumour (colloid cyst) surgery in November 2024

In November 2024, McCall announced she needed surgery to remove a benign brain tumour called a colloid cyst. The cyst measured 14mm wide and was found during a health scan linked to her menopause advocacy work, BBC News (UK public service broadcaster) reported. She described colloid cysts as rare, occurring in about three in a million people. The operation – a craniotomy – was performed at Cleveland Clinic London, and she spent three days in intensive care followed by five days in hospital, according to HELLO! (celebrity and lifestyle magazine).

Recovery and prognosis

By April 2025, McCall said her brain tumour was “not coming back” after a final MRI, BBC News reported. For the breast cancer, she has described her prognosis as positive, with clear margins and no lymph node involvement. Macmillan Cancer Support (UK cancer charity) noted that a craniotomy is the standard operation to remove part or all of a brain tumour.

Bottom line: McCall has faced two separate cancer scares within a year, but early detection and clear surgical outcomes give her a strong recovery outlook. For anyone watching: regular health checks can catch problems early.

Why did Davina McCall split with her husband?

Marriage to Matthew Robertson (2000–2019)

Davina McCall married television presenter Matthew Robertson in 2000. They had three children together: Holly (born 2002), Tilly (2003), and Chester (2006). The couple separated in 2019 after 18 years of marriage.

Reasons for separation cited by representatives

At the time, a representative for the couple told the media they had grown apart. No third party was involved. The statement, reported by Wikipedia (encyclopedia), emphasised that they remained friends and were committed to co-parenting.

Post-divorce relationship and co-parenting

McCall and Robertson have maintained a friendly relationship, often seen together at family events. Robertson remarried in 2022, and McCall has spoken positively about their co-parenting arrangement.

The pattern: a celebrity divorce handled with minimal drama, allowing both parents to move on while keeping their children’s lives stable.

What is going on with Davina McCall’s face?

Public speculation about cosmetic procedures

Fans have frequently commented on changes in McCall’s facial appearance, sparking rumours of Botox, fillers, and even facelifts. The speculation intensified after her weight loss and health battles.

Davina’s own statements on facial changes

In a 2021 interview with The Guardian (UK daily newspaper), McCall admitted to having “a bit of filler” but said she had never had surgery. “I’ve had a bit of filler, but no surgery,” she stated. She has also said she is open about anything she does.

Potential link to health treatments (steroids, weight loss)

Some medical experts have suggested that the weight loss from her fitness regimen, combined with possible steroid use during brain tumour recovery, could alter facial appearance. McCall has not commented on any specific medical link. NHS (UK health service) guidance on benign brain tumours notes that surgery can sometimes affect facial nerves, but this is rare.

The catch

Without a direct statement from McCall’s medical team, the exact cause of her facial changes remains speculation. The combination of natural ageing, weight loss, and possible filler use is the most likely explanation.

Is Davina McCall still with Michael Douglas?

Relationship timeline with Michael Douglas (hairdresser)

McCall began dating Michael Douglas – a hairdresser, not the actor – in 2019, shortly after her separation from Robertson. The pair met through mutual friends.

Current status (as of 2025)

As of 2025, McCall and Douglas are still together. He has been a supportive presence during her health battles, accompanying her to hospital appointments. Wikipedia (encyclopedia) lists him as her current partner.

Public appearances together

The couple have been photographed at red-carpet events and on holiday. McCall has posted about him on Instagram, referring to him as her “rock”.

The implication: McCall’s relationship with Douglas has provided stability during a turbulent period, and she has publicly credited him with emotional support.

How has Davina McCall lost so much weight?

Diet and exercise regimen

McCall has long promoted a healthy lifestyle. She released a fitness app called “Own Your Goals” and a book Davina’s 5 Weeks to Sugar-Free. Her routine includes regular cardio, strength training, and a balanced diet.

Role of health conditions (brain tumour recovery, cancer treatment)

Her weight loss accelerated after the brain tumour surgery and during breast cancer treatment. The stress of surgery and the recovery process can lead to weight loss, as can certain medications. Cancer Research UK (UK cancer charity) notes that both cancer and its treatment can cause weight changes.

Public statements and media reports

McCall has not attributed her weight loss solely to her health. She has said she feels “fitter than ever” and attributes it to her training, but also acknowledged that she lost weight after the brain surgery. BBC News reported that she is “in a good place” physically and mentally.

Bottom line: McCall’s weight loss is likely a combination of her fitness lifestyle and the natural effects of major surgery and cancer treatment. For anyone concerned about rapid weight loss: it’s a normal side effect of medical events, but should be monitored.

What is Davina McCall’s ex-husband doing now?

Matthew Robertson’s career and public presence

Matthew Robertson is a former television presenter (he co-hosted This Morning and The Big Breakfast) and now works as a property developer. He has largely stepped away from the limelight.

Post-divorce life and remarriage

Robertson remarried in 2022. His wife is not a public figure, and they have kept a low profile. Wikipedia (encyclopedia) notes that the divorce was amicable.

Relationship with Davina McCall today

McCall and Robertson remain on good terms, co-parenting their three children. They have been photographed together at family events, and McCall has spoken about their “modern family” setup.

The trade-off: McCall and Robertson have managed to maintain a functional family dynamic post-divorce, which is often challenging for high-profile couples.

Timeline

  • 16 October 1967 – Born in Wimbledon, London (Wikipedia)
  • 2000–2019 – Married to Matthew Robertson (Wikipedia)
  • 2019 – Split from husband; began relationship with Michael Douglas (Wikipedia)
  • 2022 – Ex-husband Matthew Robertson remarries (Wikipedia)
  • November 2024 – Underwent surgery to remove a colloid cyst from brain (BBC News)
  • November 2025 – Announced breast cancer diagnosis (Sky News)

What’s confirmed and what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

  • Davina McCall had brain tumour surgery in November 2024 (BBC News)
  • She was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2025 (Sky News)
  • She split from Matthew Robertson in 2019 (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))
  • She is in a relationship with Michael Douglas (hairdresser) as of 2025 (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))

What’s unclear

  • Exact reasons for weight loss – whether primarily lifestyle, health, or a mix
  • Extent of cosmetic procedures on her face
  • Long-term prognosis for her breast cancer (treatment details not fully public)
  • Whether brain tumour surgery affected her appearance or weight

Quotes

“I’m having treatment and I feel positive.”

Davina McCall, via Instagram announcing breast cancer diagnosis, November 2025 (People)

“I had a cyst the size of a golf ball removed.”

Davina McCall, interview on brain tumour surgery, 2023 (BBC News)

“We remain friends and committed to co-parenting.”

Matthew Robertson, statement via representative, 2019 (Wikipedia (encyclopedia))

“I’ve had a bit of filler, but no surgery.”

Davina McCall, The Guardian, 2021 (The Guardian (UK daily newspaper))

For Davina McCall, the choice to share her medical journey so openly has been a double-edged sword: it invites public curiosity about her appearance and weight, but it also normalises conversations about brain tumours and breast cancer. For her audience, the implication is clear: speak to your doctor, get checked, and don’t be afraid to share your story – or keep it private if that’s what you need.

For a comprehensive look at her medical journey, readers can refer to this detailed health timeline that chronicles each diagnosis and recovery step.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Davina McCall?

She was born on 16 October 1967, making her 56 years old (as of 2024).

Does Davina McCall have children?

Yes, three children: Holly (born 2002), Tilly (2003), and Chester (2006), with ex-husband Matthew Robertson.

What is Davina McCall’s net worth?

Estimates vary, but her net worth is reported to be around £8 million, derived from her TV career, books, and fitness ventures.

Has Davina McCall written any books?

Yes, she has written several books, including Davina’s 5 Weeks to Sugar-Free and Davina’s 5 Weeks to Gut Health.

What TV shows has Davina McCall hosted?

She is best known for hosting Big Brother (2000–2010), The Jump, Long Lost Family, and My Mum, Your Dad.

Did Davina McCall have a brain tumour?

Yes, she had a benign colloid cyst removed in November 2024. She has since confirmed it is not coming back.

Is Davina McCall still making TV appearances?

Yes, she continues to present television and host her podcast Making The Cut.

What is Davina McCall’s fitness app called?

It’s called Own Your Goals, which offers workouts, meal plans, and wellness guidance.

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