DAVINA'S OP SHOCK
Davina McCall is recovering but ‘utterly exhausted’ after ‘textbook’ brain surgery for ‘very rare’ tumour
Watch Davina's message to fans before the op below
TELLY star Davina McCall is recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumour — after earlier asking fans to “pray for me”.
The 57-year-old presenter underwent an estimated six-hour operation to take out the growth, which she said was benign but very rare.
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The former Big Brother host, who was inundated with support from fans and celebs, said she was diagnosed purely by chance after being offered a scan a few months ago.
The mum of three explained in a video: “It needs to come out because if it grows, it would be bad.”
She told how brain surgeons planned to cut through the top of her skull to get to a tumour, then “take it out and Bob’s your uncle”.
Davina then revealed in an emotional video that she was about to undergo a craniotomy, but assured fans she was in “good spirits”.
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Her partner Michael Douglas later wrote in a statement on Instagram on Friday evening: "Hey all. Davina is out of surgery and according to the surgeon it was textbook!"
He added: "She's currently recovering in ICU as a precaution, as you can imagine she's utterly exhausted.
"Thanks so much for all the love from everyone on here.. it's powerful stuff, we are super grateful. Michael xx."
Davina had said the 14mm growth was a rare colloid cyst, with a “three in a million” chance of having one.
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She said: “A few months ago, I did a menopause talk for a company and they offered me a health scan in return, which I thought I was going to ace.
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"But it turned out I had a benign brain tumour called a colloid cyst which is very rare.
"Three in a million. So I slightly put my head in the sand."
Davina — mum to Holly, 23, Tilly, 21, and Chester, 18, from her former marriage to TV presenter Matthew Robertson — said she sought further medical advice before opting for a craniotomy.
She recalled: “I saw quite a few neurosurgeons, I got lots of opinions and I realised that I have to get it taken out.
"It’s big for the space. It fills the space. It’s 14mm wide and it needs to come out, because if it grows, it would be bad. So I’m having it removed via a craniotomy."
TV presenter Julia Bradbury, who had a mastectomy to remove a tumour in 2021, was among celebs sending love and support, telling her: “See you on the other side.”
Before the surgery Davina explained in typically forthright style: "They go through the top of my head here and through the two halves of my brain to the middle, and get the cyst, take it out, empty it, take it out and Bob’s your uncle."
A craniotomy can take up to six hours and the star said she could be in hospital for up to ten days.
‘3 in 1m’ colloid cyst is benign
By Sam Blanchard, Health Correspondent
DAVINA’S brain tumour is a rare type of growth called a colloid cyst and is benign, meaning it is not cancerous.
It will not spread to other parts of her body so it is less dangerous than a malignant tumour.
Benign tumours often need removing because as they grow, they put pressure on important parts of the brain — potentially crushing nerves or cutting off the flow of blood.
Colloid cysts only affect about three in every one million people. They are thought to be present from birth and grow slowly over time.
The cysts may only be found once they cause symptoms — such as headaches and memory trouble — or during tests for other conditions.
Doctors often choose to watch and wait if the tumour is small or they may remove larger ones.
NHS guidelines suggest it can take six weeks for a full recovery.
Davina told fans she was in “good spirits” and thanked them in advance for their support, adding: “Say a little prayer for me.”
Alongside the video, hairdresser Michael had written on his partner's account: "Hey everyone. Michael here. Davina will be “off grid” for a bit while she recovers from this brain operation.
"She is in great shape and in very good hands. I’ll do the odd update from her account here for anyone interested.
"I’m sure she’ll read all the comments when she’s able to so feel free to send love. The support of people is amazingly powerful.
"Have a great day everyone. Michael xxx.";
Davina has been loved up with Michael since 2019.
Fans and celebs flooded her feed with supportive messages, including some who have faced similar ordeals.
Former Countryfile presenter Julia, who has been treated for breast cancer, said: “You are loved and supported. Sending all my love. I know how scared you are. Recover, repair, heal. See you on the other side.”
Radio presenter Lauren Laverne, who was diagnosed with cancer back in August, added: “Thank goodness you were able to get checked!
Sending you so much love and luck for your operation. I know you’ll be in wonderful hands and wish you the speediest recovery possible.”
TV host Holly Willoughby posted: “I’m sending you all the love and then a whole lot more.”
Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball said: “Big love to you, M and the kids.
“All of us out here holding tight for you all.”
Telly and radio presenter Nicki Chapman said her video will help others in a similar situation.
She told her friend: “You and I have chatted about this day . . . you are in amazing hands with your surgeon and the team.
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“Everyone loves you. Thank you for not only being a brave girl but for sharing your condition. You will help so many other people.”
She also got messages from two ex-Pussycat Dolls, with Kimberly Wyatt saying she “can only imagine what you’re feeling” while Ashley Roberts sent her “healing vibes”.
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