Davina McCall, the former Big Brother presenter, has announced that her benign brain tumour is ‘not coming back’ after recent MRI scans, sharing a harrowing experience and raising awareness about benign brain tumours.
Davina McCall has announced that her benign brain tumour is ‘not coming back‘ after recent MRI scans.
Davina McCall is a renowned British television presenter, best known for hosting popular shows such as Big Brother UK and The Million Pound Drop.
Born on October 16, 1967, in London, England, she began her career in the entertainment industry in the early 1990s.
In addition to her presenting work, McCall has been an advocate for various social causes, including women's rights and mental health awareness.
The former Big Brother presenter had surgery in November 2024 to remove a colloid cyst during a health checkup as part of her advocacy work for menopause.
In a tearful interview, McCall shared her experience with the craniotomy, which entailed removing a portion of her skull to extract the tumour. She described it as ‘the hardest thing‘ she had endured.
Her boyfriend, Michael Douglas, also spoke about their journey, stating that it has been a ‘huge journey.’

McCall used this opportunity to raise awareness about benign brain tumours, which are not cancerous but can be life-threatening if left untreated. She emphasized the importance of seeking medical attention if symptoms such as headaches, vision problems, or drowsiness occur.
‘I am so grateful for the medical teams and our friends and family who supported us throughout this journey,’ McCall said. ‘I know a lot of people have inoperable tumours, and I’m lucky to be able to draw a line under this and move on with my life when so many people can’t.‘
Colloid cysts are benign, fluid-filled sacs in the brain’s ventricles. They are more common in people over 50 years old and can cause symptoms such as headaches, vision problems, and drowsiness. While they may not be cancerous, it is essential to seek medical attention if these symptoms persist.
A colloid cyst, also known as a colloid cyst of the third ventricle, is a rare brain tumor that occurs in the middle of the brain.
It is a type of cyst that contains a thick, jelly-like fluid called colloid.
The cyst can cause symptoms such as headaches, memory problems, and seizures due to increased pressure on surrounding brain tissue.
According to the National Institutes of Health, colloid cysts are most commonly diagnosed in adults between 30-50 years old.
Treatment options include surgery, which is often successful in removing the cyst.
McCall’s recent update brings hope to those who have been diagnosed with benign brain tumours. Her story serves as a reminder that with proper medical care and support, it is possible to overcome this condition and move forward with one’s life.
Benign brain tumors are abnormal growths of tissue in the brain that do not spread to other parts of the body.
They account for about 30% of all primary brain tumors and can occur at any age.
These tumors are usually slow-growing and may cause symptoms such as headaches, seizures, or vision problems.
However, most benign brain tumors can be successfully treated with surgery, and patients often have a good prognosis.
The exact cause of benign brain tumors is unknown, but genetic mutations play a significant role in their development.
- theguardian.com | Davina McCall says her brain tumour is ‘not coming back’