Davina McCall admitted she had 'put her head in the sand for a while' after the shock diagnosis
(Image: Hoda Davaine/Dave Benett/Getty I)

Davina McCall prepared family 'in case something happens' before brain tumour diagnosis

by · Manchester Evening News

Just weeks before revealing her shocking brain tumour diagnosis, Davina McCall spoke about the importance of discussing the uncomfortable subject of death with her family. A firm believer in discussing these matters openly, the fitness freak and iconic Big Brother host reflected on this viewpoint while talking about Emma Willis's series, Delivering Babies.

Talking to The Observer, Davina mentioned, "It's a privilege to be at someone's birth and it's a privilege to be at someone's death. And I feel like I'm quite good at it."

Recalling the passing of her father, Andrew, in 2022, and her elder sister, Caroline, who succumbed to cancer in 2012 aged just 50, Davina, now 57, shared her acceptance of mortality: "It doesn't frighten me," she says. She also emphasised having made preparations with her dear ones regarding her eventual death.

Davina told how she had spoken to her loved ones about death
(Image: (Image: Getty))

Davina believes that comfort in death comes from honouring the individual's life, saying, "I spend a lot of my time now telling the people I love what a f*****g great life I've had. So that if something were to happen to me suddenly, they'd know – I've loved my life."

Two months on, Davina took to Instagram to share her diagnosis of a "very rare" colloid cyst.

Admitting that she initially avoided facing the facts, Davina recounted her change in approach, saying: "I realised that I have to get it taken out," and described the urgency due to its size: "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," reports the Express.

Davina reminded her family that she's had 'a f*****g good life'
(Image: (Image: Getty))

Revealing the complexity of the upcoming surgery, Davina explained that part of her skull would need to be removed to access the 14mm growth.

With an air of optimism tinged with apprehension, she called on her followers to "Say a prayer for me" ahead of the challenging procedure, which could involve a surgery lasting up to six hours. Post-surgery, Davina, known for her love of fitness, will be required to refrain from heavy exercise for at least one month.

Nonetheless, she can find solace in the significantly improved success rates for patients undergoing a craniotomy today.