Davina McCall breaks down as husband Michael Douglas pays tribute to star after health battles: 'Helped a lot of people'

Lydia Davies

By Lydia Davies


Published: 29/01/2026

- 14:51

The TV presenter was praised for using her platform to help others

Davina McCall was overcome with emotion during an appearance on the Making the Cut podcast after her husband Michael Douglas delivered a heartfelt tribute to her openness about her health challenges.

The 58-year-old television presenter, who recently married the celebrity hairstylist in what has been described as an “absolutely beautiful” ceremony, became audibly tearful as Mr Douglas praised her for using her platform to discuss her medical struggles publicly.


The hairdresser commended his wife for choosing to share her experiences with the public, telling her she has managed to “help a lot of people” through her candid approach.

Mr Douglas’s touching words left The Masked Singer panellist visibly moved, with the emotional exchange highlighting the couple’s deep bond following what has been a particularly difficult period for the broadcaster.

Brit Awards 2025: Davina McCall and her partner Michael Douglas

Davina McCall and her partner Michael Douglas secretly got married in December

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Mr Douglas revealed that his perspective on Ms McCall’s public openness shifted after reading Bruce Springsteen’s autobiography, in which the rock legend spoke frankly about his music and personal life.

The hairstylist described reading the memoir as “therapeutic”, explaining that it made him recognise the significant role famous individuals can play in the lives of ordinary people.

Drawing a parallel between the American musician’s candour and his wife’s willingness to discuss her health publicly, Mr Douglas said he came to understand the value of what Ms McCall does.

“Bruce putting his life in the paper or out there has helped me,” he explained, adding that the realisation gave him a new appreciation for being married to someone who also chooses to share their experiences for the benefit of others.

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Davina McCall and her partner Michael Douglas host Making The Cut podcast together

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Speaking on the podcast, Mr Douglas told Ms McCall: “I realised the important role that famous people can have in regular people’s lives.”

He continued: “I realised what it means to be married to someone like you who also does that and what it’s like to be around someone who puts themselves out in a way that is to benefit and help other people, and I want to say, well done you.”

Mr Douglas went on to describe witnessing the impact his wife has on members of the public.

He said: “I realise what you stand for for a lot of people, and I see them stop you in the street and say how grateful they are for what you decided to do with your fame and your time.

Davina McCall

Ms McCall was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2025

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“In a way that Springsteen helped me, I realised you helped a lot of people.”

The couple’s wedding followed a whirlwind engagement, with Ms McCall announcing in Ibiza that Mr Douglas had proposed just three months before they exchanged vows.

Their romance began in 2018, although the pair had first crossed paths nearly two decades earlier on the Big Brother set in 2000.

The nuptials came after an exceptionally challenging period for Ms McCall, who underwent surgery in November 2024 after doctors discovered a colloid cyst on her brain.

\u200bDavina McCall

Davina McCall underwent surgery to remove a small, benign breast cancer tumour in October 2025

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GETTY

Just over a year later, she revealed she had been diagnosed with breast cancer after detecting a small lump.

Throughout these ordeals, Ms McCall has continued to speak publicly about her experiences.