Davina McCall to Release Book Detailing ‘Frightening’ Childbirth Experience, Reflects on Recent Health Battles
Television presenter Davina McCall is set to release a new book inspired by her own experiences with childbirth and motherhood, revealing she felt “raw, frightened and vulnerable” after giving birth to her first child. McCall, known for hosting Big Brother, expressed a desire for a complete resource grounded in scientific truth to guide expectant parents.
“When I gave birth the first time in particular,I was so raw,frightened and vulnerable,but felt so strong and powerful,” McCall shared. “But I would have listened to anybody because I didn’t know what the truth was.I thought there needed to be a book written by a brilliant midwife and lots of experts, that is the absolute solid scientific truth. Where you can get all the answers that you need to get the birth that you want.”
McCall welcomed her daughter, Holly, in September 2001 with her then-husband Matthew Robertson.
The book’s release comes during a personally challenging time for the presenter. At the recent National Television Awards (NTAs), McCall confided she “didn’t think she’d be here,” referencing a arduous year marked by a significant health scare. Last year, she underwent surgery to remove a benign brain tumour.
Prior to her operation, McCall received the Special Recognition Award at the 2024 NTAs, an honor that brought her to tears. She recently reflected on the experience at the NTAs winners’ room, stating, “Last year, I knew I had a brain tumour and I knew I was being operated on six weeks later and I picked up the award…I wasn’t sure where I was going to be six weeks later. You know, what my life would look like.”
In other news, McCall’s partner, Michael Douglas, hinted at a possible future wedding, stating, “There could be wedding bells on the way…we’re in no rush for any of that, we just enjoy each others company.”