The big interview
TV presenter, fitness guru and menopause warrior Davina McCall talks to GH about combating empty-nest syndrome, being awarded an MBE and her new midlife mission
Davina McCall exudes happiness, warmth and an irrepressible zest for life. Generously dispensing hugs to everyone on the team at our cover shoot, she is full of fun, jokes and ABBA songs (after this, she’s off to see the ABBA Voyage show).
At 56, Davina has a lot to be excited about. She recently received an MBE for services to broadcasting, is returning for a fifth series of ITV1’s Masked Singer and enjoying a new role as an ambassador for the ZOE personalised nutrition company.
She also makes a surprise revelation that she’s about to launch her own lingerie line. ‘I feel like menopausal women are finally being viewed as valuable now – and that feels really good,’ she says.
Meanwhile, life at home in Tunbridge Wells has undergone some changes. Davina’s partner of four years, hairdresser Michael Douglas, has moved in with her, while her younger daughter, Tilly, 20, has recently flown the nest for Australia. Davina is also mum to Holly, 22, and Chester, 17.
Here, Davina explains why she feels as though she’s entered her work-life prime…
A lot has changed at home since we last spoke to you. How have you found Tilly’s move to Australia?
I’ve spent my whole life saying, ‘If my kids leave home and don’t look back, then I’ve done a good job.’ But then, in the two weeks leading up to Tilly leaving, I was quietly thinking, ‘Look back! Look back!’ But she didn’t. She was off with her friend saying goodbye to everyone and she was so excited. Seeing her skip off at the airport looking so happy was great – but it was also absolutely gut-wrenching.
It’s such a bittersweet moment…
Michael was really helpful. He asked me if I’d worried about how my parents were feeling when I left home. And I said no, not at all. And he replied, ‘This is a really positive thing; you’ve done a good job.’ Tilly did three months of farm work on her own in the middle of nowhere and I’m so proud of her. She didn’t go to university, so she has to decide how to get into the workplace without a degree, and I’m not there to pull strings or make introductions; she’s had to sort it all out for herself. This is the greatest thing that could ever happen to her.
How are you feeling about the emptying nest?
Well, they call all the time and ask my advice, so I still feel needed, which is nice. They haven’t totally let go of me! Holly is studying dietetics at Newcastle and we tal
