Celebrities with brain tumours as Davina McCall rushed for surgery

Davina McCall to have brain surgery to remove tumour

Beloved TV personality Davina McCall has revealed the surprising news that she’s been diagnosed with a benign brain tumour, prompting an urgent call for surgery.

Known for her resilience and honesty with fans, Davina’s health scare has cast a new light on the challenges of living with a brain tumour—even one that’s non-cancerous.

Though benign tumours are generally less dangerous than malignant ones, they can still cause serious health issues.

Davina’s diagnosis places her among a growing number of celebrities who’ve faced brain tumours, such as singer Sheryl Crow, actor Mark Ruffalo, and the late Tom Parker from The Wanted.

Each of these stars has shared their own journey, highlighting the unique struggles that come with such diagnoses. As Davina prepares for surgery, her story is already bringing new attention to the importance of awareness around the condition.

Let’s take a look at some of the famous who have suffered from the diagnosis.

Davina McCall has been diagnosed with a benign brain tumour (Image: Getty)

Tom Parker

Tom Parker, the British singer and member of boyband The Wanted, faced a challenging journey after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour, a grade IV glioblastoma, in October 2020. The diagnosis came as a shock to Parker and his family, as the aggressive tumour type generally has a low survival rate.

Parker courageously shared his journey with fans, using social media to provide updates on his condition and treatments.

He underwent various treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and maintained an optimistic outlook, even reuniting with The Wanted for a performance in 2021.

Parker’s positive attitude and determination to raise awareness for brain cancer was inspirational, and he became a strong advocate for cancer research funding.

Despite his resilience and the support from loved ones, Parker sadly passed away on March 30, 2022, at the age of 33.

Tom sadly passed away in March 2022 at the age of 33 (Image: Getty)

Nicki was diagnosed with a non-malignant brain tumour in 2019 (Image: Getty)

Nicki Chapman

Nicki Chapman, the beloved British television presenter and former Pop Idol judge, faced a life-changing diagnosis in 2019 when doctors discovered a non-malignant brain tumour. Chapman, who had been experiencing memory lapses and vision problems, underwent a successful operation to remove the tumour.

Throughout her journey, Chapman remained positive and candid, speaking openly about her fears and gratitude for the support of friends, family, and medical staff.

Despite the challenges, she made an impressive recovery and returned to her broadcasting career, continuing to host popular shows such as Escape to the Country and The RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

Chapman has since become an advocate for brain tumour awareness, encouraging others to seek medical advice if they experience unusual symptoms.

The actor is best known for his role in Netflix's Queen Cleopatra (Image: Netflix)

Craig Russell

The actor, best known for his role in Netflix's Queen Cleopatra, was diagnosed with a low-grade meningioma in 2023.

He underwent a seven-hour surgery to remove the tumour and reconstruct his skull. At the time, the 45-year-old had noticed worsening vision in his left eye, declining hearing, and persistent migraines he had suffered since his teens.

Post-surgery, his hearing has returned, his vision in the left eye is gradually improving, and his migraines have disappeared entirely.

Though he will need an MRI scan every six months for the next decade to monitor for any recurrence, he feels immense relief.

Craig credits his recovery to the support of the “amazing” NHS staff, as well as his family and friends, who helped him through the terrifying experience.

The British television and radio presenter was diagnosed with glioblastoma (Image: ITV)

Annabel Giles

The British television and radio presenter was diagnosed with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer, in July 2023 and tragically passed away in November 2023 at the age of 64.

Her children, Molly and Tedd, announced the news on her Instagram account, describing her as their "incredible mother".

Annabel’s tumour, a stage 4 glioblastoma, was the same type that claimed the life of The Wanted singer Tom Parker.

Known for her vibrant career, Annabel hosted high-profile TV programs including ITV’s Posh Frocks and New Trousers, and appeared on popular shows such as Have I Got News For You and Through The Keyhole. In 2013, she also appeared on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!

Mark is best known for his role as the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (Image: Getty)

Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo, the American actor best known for his role as the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour called an acoustic neuroma in 2001.

This type of tumour, located on his auditory nerve, posed a significant health risk and required surgery for removal.

Following the procedure, Ruffalo experienced partial facial paralysis, a common complication of this surgery that temporarily impacted his facial movement.

Through intensive therapy and determination, he gradually regained most of his facial function.

Ruffalo’s experience has helped bring awareness to acoustic neuromas, highlighting that even benign brain tumours can have serious effects due to their proximity to vital nerves.

Crow opted for regular monitoring rather than immediate surgery (Image: Getty)

Sheryl Crow

American singer-songwriter Sheryl Crow was diagnosed with a benign brain tumour called a meningioma in 2011.

Meningiomas, which are generally slow-growing and non-cancerous, can still cause health complications depending on their size and location.

After discovering the tumour, Crow opted for regular monitoring rather than immediate surgery, as it was not life-threatening.

She openly discussed her diagnosis, reassuring fans and advocating for regular health screenings.

Crow has continued her career without interruption, and her decision to manage the tumour non-invasively has helped raise awareness about meningiomas and the options available for those diagnosed with benign brain tumours.