FIRST A BRAIN TUMOUR. THEN BREAST C@NCER. NOW DAVINA MCCALL REVEALS ANOTHER HEALTH BATTLE
FIRST A BRAIN TUMOUR. THEN BREAST CANCER. NOW DAVINA MCCALL REVEALS ANOTHER HEALTH BATTLE
The beloved TV presenter has opened up about cardiovascular disease, sharing a deeply personal revelation and urging women to take their heart health seriously.
British television presenter Davina McCall has shared another important update about her health, revealing that she has cardiovascular disease following a series of major medical challenges in recent years.
The 59-year-old, known for hosting Big Brother and Long Lost Family, disclosed the diagnosis during an episode of her Begin Again podcast released on October 18, 2026. Speaking with heart attack survivor Louise McGill, McCall used the conversation to highlight a health issue she believes deserves far greater attention, particularly among women.
“I ALSO HAVE CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE”
During the conversation, McCall addressed her own diagnosis directly.
“I wanted to let you know, I also have cardiovascular disease, and this is a very important conversation to have,” she said.
Her announcement came during a special episode produced in partnership with the British Heart Foundation, focusing on cardiovascular health and the importance of recognising potential warning signs.
McCall explained that she had been told she had high cholesterol for quite some time. She recalled believing that her levels of “good” cholesterol might offset the “bad,” illustrating why she now wants people to pay closer attention to information about their heart health.
“YOU SUDDENLY FEEL VULNERABLE”
The latest revelation follows two difficult health experiences that McCall has previously discussed publicly.
In November 2024, she underwent surgery to remove a rare, benign brain tumour known as a colloid cyst. The diagnosis and operation forced her to confront questions about her own mortality.
Then, in 2025, she discovered a small lump in her breast during routine self-checks. Tests confirmed breast cancer, and she underwent a lumpectomy to remove the tumour.
In April 2026, McCall shared the reassuring news that a follow-up check had given her the “all clear.”
Reflecting on how illness had changed her outlook, she said: “Anyone can get sick and when I had my cancer experience, you just suddenly feel vulnerable in a way you weren’t before.”
She added: “Once you’ve been ill, you think, ‘Oh, I thought I was invincible.’”
WHY SHE WANTS WOMEN TO PAY ATTENTION
McCall’s latest disclosure is also a call for greater awareness of cardiovascular disease among women.
During the podcast, she and her guest discussed how heart problems have historically been viewed as predominantly affecting men, potentially leaving women less aware of their own risks.
Dr Sriranjan Rothwell, who also joined the conversation, emphasised the serious impact cardiovascular disease has on women worldwide. <Cite refs={[“turn863652view1″,”turn126370search2”]}/>
McCall urged listeners not to dismiss concerns about their health, particularly during and after menopause.
“If there’s one takeaway today it’s not to brush things off,” she said. <Cite refs={[“turn126370search0″,”turn126370search5”]}/>
Cardiovascular disease is an umbrella term for conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels. High cholesterol is one factor associated with increased cardiovascular risk, although an individual’s diagnosis and treatment depend on their specific medical circumstances.
A PERSONAL STORY WITH A WIDER MESSAGE
McCall has built a reputation for speaking openly about subjects that can be difficult to discuss, including menopause and women’s health. By sharing her experience, she hopes to encourage more people to ask questions, seek appropriate medical advice and take potential warning signs seriously.
Her latest announcement does not erase the positive news she shared about her breast cancer follow-up. Instead, it adds another dimension to her ongoing health journey—one she has chosen to discuss publicly to help others understand the importance of looking after themselves.
For fans who have followed her through her brain tumour surgery and breast cancer diagnosis, the revelation may come as a surprise. But McCall’s central message is clear: health concerns should not be ignored simply because someone appears well or has already overcome another medical challenge.
By speaking candidly about cardiovascular disease, Davina McCall is turning a personal diagnosis into an opportunity to raise awareness—and encouraging women to take their heart health seriously.
