Davina McCall pays tribute to stepmum in ‘grateful’ message after health battle: ‘Through thick and thin’
Davina McCall has issued a touching tribute to her stepmother Gaby in a heartwarming Mothering Sunday message.
The 57-year-old broadcaster also referenced her recent health battles as she recovers from brain tumour surgery four months ago.
McCall took to Instagram to share a sweet picture and her and Gaby embracing.
“Happy Mother’s Day to you, Gaby. I was six years old when you became my stepmum,” she began alongside the image.
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“For the last 51 years, you have always been there for me through thick and thin. And when I was younger, there was quite a lot of that!
“The door was always open to come home, and I’m so so grateful for that,” she continued.
McCall declared: “You ARE grandma to my kids. They love you to the moon and back.”
The presenter then referenced her recent health struggles and how Gaby had helped her family pull through.
“I don’t know what Michael and I would’ve done without you these last four months. We are so grateful,” she wrote.
The 57-year-old concluded: “I love you with all of my heart, mama. Thank you for everything. And Milly, thank you for sharing her with me!”
Fans quickly flooded the post’s comments with support and Mother’s Day messages.
“Ahh lovely post and well-deserved praise for Gabby especially being such a rock through the op,” one shared.
Another wrote: “I loved hearing you talk about Gaby on the podcast with Stephen you did recently. What a special relationship. True mums don’t need to be by blood for sure xx.”
“This fills my heart with hope that one day my partners’ children might feel the same,” a third added.
Earlier this month, McCall became emotional when discussing her recent journey while hosting a segment on Comic Relief.
“It’s been, quite possibly, the hardest thing I’ve ever been through,” she admitted, her voice cracking with emotion.
“I needed the love and support of… sorry,” stuttered and paused, overcome with feeling.
The presenter was celebrated with applause as she concluded: “… of my friends and my family.”
McCall underwent surgery in November 2024 to remove a benign brain tumour known as a colloid cyst.
The 14mm tumour was discovered by chance when she was offered a health check-up as part of her menopause advocacy work.
The presenter endured a six-hour operation on November 15 to remove the growth from her brain.
Following the procedure, McCall spent three days in intensive care before remaining at London’s Cleveland Clinic for a further five days.
Four months after her surgery, McCall has shared that she feels “exactly the same” despite the life-changing experience.
“Obviously it changes (things). You have a new look on life, gratitude, love for people, love for nature, love for architecture – everything looks beautiful,” she explained.