“I COULDN’T REMEMBER ANYTHING” — DAVINA McCALL REVEALS THE TERRIFYING MEMORY LOSS SHE EXPERIENCED AFTER BRAIN SURGERY

The television presenter has opened up about one of the most difficult periods of her life, revealing how severe memory problems affected her recovery after surgery to remove a benign brain tumour.

Davina McCall has shared a deeply personal account of the memory difficulties she experienced following brain surgery, describing a period when she struggled to remember people, follow films and even recall what had happened moments earlier.

The 58-year-old presenter underwent surgery in November 2024 to remove a 14mm colloid cyst, a benign growth discovered during a health check. Although the operation was successful, her recovery brought unexpected challenges that she has only recently described in greater detail.

Speaking to singer Paloma Faith on the Mad, Sad and Bad podcast, McCall recalled the severity of her memory loss.

“After I’d had my brain tumour taken out, I had advanced Alzheimer’s, so I couldn’t remember anything,” she said, describing how she felt during that period.

Her words have drawn attention from fans, but it is important to clarify that she was describing how her symptoms felt. Her comments do not establish that she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

A recovery that affected everyday life

McCall explained that she sometimes could not remember the names of hospital staff who visited her regularly. Even visits from her partner, Michael Douglas, could become difficult to recall.

She also described struggling to watch a film because she could not remember what had happened only minutes earlier. Reading was similarly frustrating, as she found it difficult to retain what she had just read.

The experience was particularly challenging for someone whose career depends on communication, concentration and being able to respond in the moment.

McCall has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of the recovery, describing 2025 as an exceptionally difficult year for both herself and Douglas.

How music became part of her recovery

In the same interview, McCall credited singing lessons with helping her work on her memory. She described music as a form of mental rehabilitation and recalled a significant moment in October 2025 when she woke up and realised she could remember what she had done the previous day.

That moment marked an encouraging change after months of uncertainty.

Her account highlights how challenging recovery can be after major brain surgery, even when the original condition is benign. Her experience, however, should not be taken as a prediction of how other patients will recover.

A difficult chapter in a wider health journey

McCall’s health challenges have extended beyond her brain surgery. In 2025, she revealed that she had also been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer and underwent treatment.

In April 2025, she said follow-up MRI scans had shown that the brain tumour was not returning. More recently, she has continued speaking publicly about her health and her return to work.

Her latest reflections offer a clearer picture of the personal difficulties she faced during recovery, while also showing why she has chosen to speak openly about experiences that many people may find difficult to discuss.

Although the phrase “advanced Alzheimer’s” has attracted attention, McCall’s story is specifically about the severe memory loss she experienced after surgery—not a confirmed Alzheimer’s diagnosis.