Entertainment

Davina McCall shows off scar after brain tumour surgery

The presenter drew back her hair to show a shaved line that stretched across the front of her head, near her hairline.

Davina McCall had surgery in November
Davina McCall had surgery in November (Ian West/PA)

TV presenter Davina McCall has shown the scar she received from surgery for a “very rare” benign brain tumour.

Last month, the host of My Mum, Your Dad, 57, said the colloid cyst was found after she was offered a health check-up as part of her menopause advocacy work.

McCall described it as a “big” tumour, 14mm wide, that is “very rare” in a video on Instagram, adding: “It needs to come out, because if it grows, it would be bad.”

In a new video, McCall showed viewers her scar while she had her hair cut by her partner, celebrity hairdresser Michael Douglas.

The presenter drew back her hair to show a shaved line that stretched across the front of her head near her hairline, and just above where her fringe sits.

In the video, posted to Douglas’s account, she said: “It’s good, look at that. It’s from here across to here and all healed. It’s a bit crusty around here, but no hurting, not infected.”

Douglas kept McCall’s followers updated on her condition while she spent time in intensive care after her surgery.

In a video post on November 25, McCall spoke about her recovery and said it was nice to be back home but added that her “short-term memory is a bit remiss”.

Davina McCall, winner of the Special Recognition Award, at the National Television Awards
Davina McCall, winner of the Special Recognition Award, at the National Television Awards (Ian West/PA)

According to the NHS, non-cancerous brain tumours are more common in people over the age of 50, and symptoms include headaches, blackouts, behavioural changes and loss of consciousness.

The former Big Brother host has long advocated on women’s health issues, and presented documentaries on contraception and the menopause.

She became an MBE in the King’s birthday honours for services to broadcasting last year, and in 2022 released the book Menopausing: The Positive Roadmap To Your Second Spring, with the aim of ending “the shame and horrific misinformation surrounding menopause”.

Earlier this year, the presenter was honoured with the special recognition award at the National Television Awards for her broadcasting career and was made an honorary doctor of civil law by Newcastle University for championing women’s health.