Davina McCall has spoken candidly about her difficult period and the special person who supported her after she was diagnosed with a brain tumour and breast cancer.

The TV presenter, 58, underwent surgery to remove the benign (non-cancerous) tumour in 2024, before being diagnosed with breast cancer the following year.

As Davina faced double setback, she revealed that she received support from the comedian Peter Kay, who had not been a close friend before her illness.

The former Big Brother host said she was overwhelmed when she received an unexpected call from Peter, 53, while undergoing treatment in hospital.

Davina said: ‘Do you know who really helped me, actually, and it was really strange. Peter Kay. He called me when I was in hospital with my brain tumour.

‘I really don’t know him that well but he was unbelievably supportive.’

Davina continued by revealing that he stayed by her side after receiving the news about her breast cancer, and said: ‘When I had my breast cancer diagnosis he just talked me through what to do.

‘He said: “What do you want to do? How do you feel about it?” And he said: “I think you know what you want to do”. And I was like: “Yeah I want to talk about it.’ 

Davina opened up about the dynamics of her friendship with Peter while receiving the Outstanding Achievement Award at the Edinburgh TV Festival.

During the ceremony, she also spoke about her husband, Michael Douglas’ support, who was another pillar of strength  for her during that difficult time.