Davina McCall has revealed she is undergoing surgery to remove a 14mm brain tumour which was discovered during a routine health check.
The 57-year-old former Big Brother host revealed on Instagram that she is among the rare three in a million people diagnosed with a "very rare" colloid cyst.
Colloid cysts are benign, non-cancerous fluid-filled sacs found in or around the lateral and third ventricles of the brain, according to the London Neurosurgery Partnership.
The Long Lost Family host explained that after consulting with multiple neurosurgeons and receiving "lots of opinions," she decided to have the tumour removed as it is "big for the space" in her brain, and could cause serious issues if it continues to grow.
The Masked Singer judge mentioned she would be in the hospital for about nine days following the surgery and asked her fans to “pray for me,” though she reassured them that she was in "good spirits."
In a new video posted to her Instagram account, she explained: “Hi, so I’m posting this it will be Friday morning. I’m posting it because 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.
“Three in a million! So I slightly put my head in the sand for a while, and then I saw quite a few neurosurgeons, I got lots of opinions. I realised that I have to get it taken out.
She added: “It’s big for the space – it fills the space. It’s 14mm wide. And it needs to come out because if it grows it would be bad.”
The presenter said: "It will be removed via a craniotomy – they go through the top of my head here, and through the two halves of my brain to the middle, get the cyst, empty it, take it out, and Bob’s your uncle.
“So say a prayer for me. I am in good spirits.”
She was joined in the video by her partner of five years, hairdresser Michael Douglas, who said he would provide updates on her recovery through her Instagram page.
Speaking about her recovery, she continued: “I’m going to be in hospital for about nine days, and then I’m going to be going home but I am going to be off my phone for a while. So Michael might fill you in and let you guys know how I’m doing. But I don’t want you to worry about me. I’m doing that enough as it is.
“I’m not worrying too much I am in a good space. I have all the faith in the world in my surgeon and his team and I’m handing the reigns over to him, he knows what he’s doing, I’m going to do the getting better bit after. I’ll see you on the other side.”
Her other half wrote Davina's caption, sharing that she would be "off grid" during her recovery from the surgery, and assured followers that she is in "great shape and very good hands."
He penned: “Hey everyone. Michael here. @davinamccall will be ‘off grid’ for a bit while she recovers from this brain operation. She is in great shape and in very good hands.
“I’ll I do the odd update from her account here for anyone interested. I’m sure she’ll read all the comments when she’s able to so feel free to send love.”
“The support of people is amazingly powerful. Have a great day everyone. Michael.”
After sharing the news on her social media, the beloved TV presenter was inundated with well wishes from friends and fans.
“Sending so much love,” wrote Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden. Rylan Clark commented: “We’re all thinking of you beautiful.”
Former Pussycat Doll Kimberly Wyatt wrote: “Oh babe thinking about you - I can only imagine what you must be feeling. Keeping you in my heart and on my mind. take it easy lovely one”.
TV chef Lisa Faulkner shared: “Sending all my love to you. Best wishes and all positive prayers for a speedy recovery.”
BBC broadcaster Nicki Chapman commented: “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 xx”.
Presenter and DJ Annie Mac penned: “You gorgeous woman. Sending every ounce of love xx”
