Get the latest OK! breaking news on WhatsAppOur community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More infoJoin us on WhatsApp Davina McCall’s neurosurgeon, Kevin O’Neill, was moved to tears while watching the TV icon discuss her life-changing brain surgery. During Comic Relief, the beloved Big Brother presenter got emotional about her “second chance” at life after having a benign brain tumour removed. Kevin, who performed the 57 year old’s surgery, has earned a heartfelt “friend for life now” from The Masked Singer judge for his incredible work. Lorraine Kelly, the 64 year old ITV host, invited Kevin onto her programme to extend a personal “thank you” for his life-saving efforts, where they revisited Davina’s poignant speech. The surgeon shared with Lorraine that he was touched by the footage, saying: “I’m looking at that clip, and I couldn’t help but well up myself.”
Davina has vowed to be Kevin’s friend for life after he removed her benign brain tumour
He reflected on the profound effect such moments have when observed from an outsider’s perspective. Davina had discovered she had a colloid cyst last November during a routine health check-up related to her menopause advocacy. Faced with a difficult choice, she had to consider the serious risks of complex surgery against the potential dangers of leaving the tumour untreated, reports the Mirror. Lorraine probed into what “risks of doing nothing” meant for Davina, particularly how it could impact her memory and her career as a presenter. Kevin confirmed that not opting for surgery could have had severe consequences for Davina’s health. He cautioned her: “We chose that particular approach that goes right through the middle of the brain without having to go through too many eloquent things.”
Davina McCall broke down in tears on Friday’s Comic Relief while talking about her brain tumour and surgery
(Image: BBC)
Kevin highlighted the risks involved: “But every approach is dangerous. There are blood vessels in the way and where this thing is sitting in an area between this fluid filled cavities there’s a very sensitive thing called the fornix which affects long-term memory.” Professional insights from Kevin revealed: “So worst-case scenario, it’s incredibly important for somebody like Davina. You could be working on a five-minute memory cycle, so it’s virtually impossible to be a presenter.” The NHS website notes that non-cancerous brain tumours tend to be more prevalent in individuals aged over 50, with possible symptoms such as headaches, issues with vision and fatigue. Some of these tumours are particularly challenging to extract without harming nearby tissue. Should surgical attempts not prove effective, treatments like chemotherapy or radiotherapy may serve as alternatives.
