Bec Oakes
Davina McCall has opened up about some of the heartbreaking details of her recent diagnosis with a brain tumour.
In November of last year, the former Big Brother host posted a video on Instagram explaining that doctors had found a benign tumour during a routine health scan.
She said: "A few months ago I did a menopause talk for a company and they offered me a health scan in return, which I thought I was going to ace, but it turned out I had a benign brain tumour called a colloid cyst, which is very rare."
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The 57-year-old then explained that the 14mm tumour would need to be removed via surgery before it grew any bigger.
Following the procedure, McCall's partner Michael Douglas told fans a doctor had described the procedure as being 'textbook'.
Now, during a recent episode of her Begin Again podcast, she's shared some emotional details about the operation, including how she'd prepared in case things went wrong.
"When I'd spoken to the doctors, they talked about things like stroke, epilepsy, these being risks. Nicking an artery or a blood vessel in the brain and having a bleed… so there were a lot of things that could be a risk," McCall explained as she sat in the hot seat and Steven Bartlett took over hosting duties.
"And obviously, because of my age, you know, I'm 57. That was another thing that mattered to me. I said, 'Look, I've got to plan for it if it doesn't go according to plan.'"
The TV presenter shared the preparations she'd made alongside Douglas just in case the worst did happen, including heartbreaking letters to her three children, Holly, Tilly and Chester, who she shares with her ex-husband Matthew Robertson.
McCall added: "I did go and address my Will and make sure that was airtight. I talked to Michael about my wishes. I wrote letters of wishes to all the children, and put those in my Will."
She also added that she fully trusted her surgeon and went into the procedure feeling at peace, thinking: "'Everything will be okay, whatever happens.' And it felt like I'd climbed a mountain, but it was a good mountain to climb."
Prior to the surgery, McCall was met by an outpouring of love from fans and fellow celebrities.
Former Pop Idol judge Nicki Chapman wrote: "You and I have chatted about this day… you are in amazing hands with your surgeon and the team.
"Everyone loves you. Thank you for not only being a brave girl but for sharing your condition. You will help sooooo many other people big hugs. 30 second rule. See you soon N."
And, author and ex-Radio 1 DJ Annie Mac said: "You gorgeous woman. Sending every ounce of love."