Davina McCall became ‘shoulder to cry on’ for new boyfriend Michael Douglas during his marriage troubles – more than a year before romance ‘devastated’ his ex

DAVINA McCall became a confidante to her new boyfriend during his marriage troubles – more than a year before their romance left his ex-wife “devastated”.

The telly favourite, 51, knew Michael Douglas and spouse Tracey, 50, were on the rocks long before they finally called it quits and her relationship with the hairdresser began.

Despite Davina being pals with Tracey, friends say she was blindsided by The Sun’s revelation last week that the Long Lost Family host had coupled up with her ex.

A source said: “Michael spilled many details to Davina about what was going on in the final stretch of his marriage.

“More than once he turned up to a studio or TV set desperate to unload. Davina became a natural sounding board during the hours he spent snipping and styling her.

“Matthew and Tracey supported Davina when her own marriage ended, so she wanted to return the favour by being there for him, as a friend, during a tough time.

“But given how betrayed Tracey feels by their relationship, discovering how much Davina knew about their personal troubles will be another blow.”

Mother-of-three Davina’s romance with Michael, 45, only began once his marriage ended last year.

The pair have known each other for close to two decades and she once called him “one of my favourite people”.

They went public last Monday after they were spotted canoodling at the Chelsea Flower Show.

Michael moved out of his marital home in St Albans, Hertfordshire after splitting with Tracey, but still lives nearby so he can see their two sons.

Davina announced her separation from husband of 17-years Matthew Robertson in November 2017.