Davina McCall 'worried' ahead of live TV return after gruelling brain tumour operation
Red Nose Day is round the corner, and Davina McCall is reprising live TV hosting for the occasion - but she's acutely aware of how chaotic Comic Relief's big day can be.
The charity hits a milestone 40 years with a star-studded evening of entertainment on BBC One and BBC Two and all bets are on Alison Hammond to keep the good times rolling and the funds flowing.
The This Morning star is ready to sprinkle her boundless cheer throughout the evening. Jonathan Ross enthused about Alison's role in the festivities: "Even with comedians around, Alison Hammond will be the biggest source of laughter," noting her unstoppable spirit. "She's a human dynamo – I'm looking forward to hearing her infectious laugh."
READ MORE: Loose Women star reveals mental health struggles have left her 'crying in the depths of despair'
READ MORE: Emmerdale star gushes over close bond with 'amazing' on-screen gran away from ITV cameras
Alongside Alison, 50, and Jonathan, other famous faces including Rylan, Davina, Alesha Dixon, Davina McCall, and Joel Dommett are set to steer the ship for Red Nose Day's TV marathon from 7pm to 10pm on BBC One, before Tom Allen and AJ Odudu slide into the late slot over on BBC Two at 10pm.
At 57, Davina McCall is no stranger to the whirlwind that is Comic Relief, and she's well aware of the backstage buzz. "Everyone backstage is encouraging, warm and funny," she shared, adding, "But you never know what's going to happen. You just know that even if things go off-piste, everybody can keep the show going."
The Masked Singer favourite faced her own health battle last year when she was diagnosed with a rare benign brain tumour, a colloid cyst, following a routine scan. She bravely announced plans for surgery to remove it.
On November 15, 2024, her partner Michael Douglas took to Instagram to update fans on her behalf, revealing that Davina would be taking some time away from the spotlight to recover post-surgery. "She is in great shape and in very good hands," he assured everyone.
Not long after, an emotional Davina reached out to her two million followers with a heartfelt video message. "I am feeling much better . Had a great night's sleep in my own bed . Have a couple of sleeps during the day which keeps my brain clear ... slowly slowly," she expressed.
Come January, Michael shared exciting news: Davina had made her comeback to The Masked Singer set, posting a behind-the-scenes glimpse of her hair routine. By month's end, she was back alongside her Heart FM colleague Jamie Theakston, who himself was returning from his own health ordeal after a laryngeal cancer diagnosis.
Davina is all set to take the helm of BBC One's live Red Nose Day coverage on Friday, March 21. A slew of surprises and challenges are in store for viewers, from Helen Skelton and Gethin Jones' round-the-clock skatethon to Jamie Laing's gruelling ultra-marathon, all in the name of charity.
The festivities will be capped off by Emma Willis and Asim Chaudhry with an hour-long documentary titled Comic Relief: 40 Years of Funny, airing at 10.40pm on BBC One. It's a night of Red Nose nostalgia you won't want to miss.
Expect the BBC to pull out all the stops for this landmark event, featuring top-notch sketches from Strictly, Beyond Paradise and more. Even Oasis is getting the Red Nose Day treatment!
